World News
Vatican announces theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis wants Catholics to focus on the pastoral care of people displaced within the borders of their own country and the church's mission to serve them. The theme is: "Forced like Jesus Christ to flee."
Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after COVID-19 reported at hotel
The Catholic Church in Jerusalem urged its faithful to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority following its order March 5 to close all schools, universities, mosques and churches, including the Church of the Nativity.
Live life, don’t squander it, pope tells young people
Both young people and adults can "waste their lives with superficial things" and give in to "widespread growing digital narcissism," the pope said in his message for World Youth Day 2020.
Person tests positive for coronavirus in Vatican City
The Vatican health clinic was closed temporarily "in order to sanitize the area after a patient tested positive for COVID-19," said a spokesman March 6. Some meetings and social events have been suspended.
Preventing pandemic: Vatican moves to stop spread of coronavirus
With travel restrictions in Italy and the government's order to close all schools until March 15, holy places like the Duomo in Milan and the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican are eerily empty.
UN report on gender equality attacks religious freedom, says official
A Vatican representative in Geneva said a United Nations report calls for freedom of religion and conscience to be surrendered for the promotion of "a vision of human society that is not shared by all."
As COVID-19 spreads, Catholic entities worldwide take precautions
Catholic dioceses, shrines and aid agencies including Catholic Relief Services are restricting travel and enacting preventative hygiene measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Colombian court says it cannot rule on abortion proposal
Amid a push to expand access to abortion in the South American country, a judge proposed a limit on abortions after 16 weeks' gestation. But a full court declined to vote on the measure.
Vatican sends sex abuse experts to Mexico to help victims
After receiving a request from Mexico's bishops for help in handling cases of the abuse of minors, the Vatican is sending its top abuse investigators to Mexico this month.
Pope asks Catholics to join week of climate reflection, action in May
Saying he wanted to renew his "urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis," Pope Francis asked Catholics around the globe to participate in "Laudato Si' Week" May 16-24.