World News
Hundreds of thousands flee attackers in Burkina Faso
A surge of attacks, with Christian communities targeted in Islamist killings, has forced families to flee and leave everything behind. The violence is threatening to spread to other countries in Western Africa.
Lourdes shrine closes healing pools as precaution against coronavirus
Pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes were still welcome, but the pools the sick bathe in hoping for healing will close temporarily, as the number of people with coronavirus in Europe grows.
Humanity, ethics must be at center of AI technology, pope says
The Pontifical Academy for Life sponsored a major workshop at the Vatican Feb. 25-26 that focused on the use of robots and artificial intelligence, specifically in medicine and health care.
Fighting abuse in lay movements: Vatican mandates guidelines
Organizations, Catholic or not, led by a charismatic leader who is followed uncritically are at risk for cases of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, said the Jesuit head of the Vatican office on child protection.
Church experts to help bishops, religious write abuse norms
Pope Francis has set up a task force of qualified experts and canon lawyers to help bishops' conferences and congregations of men and women religious draw up or revise guidelines for the protection of minors.
Bishops seek international help for Nigeria to fight insecurity
In a Feb. 26 statement, the West African nation's bishops called for a global response to "daredevil terrorists" such as Boko Haram, who have carried out "barbaric executions of Christians" and threaten to destabilize the region and Africa as a whole.
Bishop proposes rotating presidency of German bishops’ conference
Regensburg Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer has suggested the move as a way to avoid debates, campaigning and "politicking." In a surprise announcement, current conference president Cardinal Reinhard Marx recently said he will not stand for reelection this spring.
Pope skips penance service with Rome clergy due to mild cold
According to a Feb. 27 Vatican press statement, Pope Francis stayed close to home but proceeded with other commitments as Italy works to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 500 and killed some 12-14 in that nation.
Intellectually disabled L’Arche members react to news of Vanier abuse
At the organization's Toronto site, many who had survived abuse in other settings described the Canadian writer and theologian as "a bad man" who had harmed people.
With no Ash Wednesday Masses, bishops in northern Italy share prayers
Parishes in several dioceses offered alternative ways to begin the celebration of Lent, as liturgies were cancelled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.