World News
Reconciling oneself to God leads to healing, pope says in Lenten message
Pope Francis called for increased compassion and "personally participating in the building of a better world" in observing Lent, which begins on Feb. 26 for Latin-rite Catholics.
Mexican bishops call for action, boosting families as femicide increases
Recent brutal murders, with one victim just 7 years old, have sparked outrage across Mexico, forcing the nation to "confront an authentic educational emergency" that signals a loss of "the basic references of getting along together," the bishops said.
Australian High Court releases submissions for Cardinal Pell’s appeal
On March 11, the court will decide whether to grant the prelate a final chance to be cleared of historic child sexual abuse crimes. If leave is not granted, the cardinal will return to prison and serve out his term, at least 32 more months.
Mediterranean must be crossroad of peace, dialogue, pope says
Pope Francis condemned a "growing attitude of indifference and even rejection" of the poor and migrants as he addressed 60 bishops from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa Feb. 23 at the end of a five-day meeting in the Italian coastal city of Bari.
As coronavirus spreads, Holy Land Catholics concerned, but sites still open
After Israel reported that members of a South Korean tour group were infected with COVID-19, a spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said officials were advising pilgrims to follow health ministry instructions, without giving in to panic or rumors.
Pope recognizes miracle in sainthood cause of young tech whiz
Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian youth who died of leukemia in 2006, used his computer skills to create a database of worldwide Eucharistic miracles. His life of sanctity serves as an example to young people, said Pope Francis.
Pope clears way for beatification of Salvadoran Jesuit, companions
The Vatican announced Feb. 22 that Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Father Rutilio Grande, a close friend of St. Oscar Romero, and two companions who were murdered in 1977 en route to a novena.
Northern Italian dioceses take drastic measures against coronavirus
The Archdiocese of Milan has canceled Ash Wednesday services, public celebrations of the Mass and even funeral liturgies until further notice, in compliance with Italian government precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Jean Vanier had ‘manipulative’ sexual relationships with six women
The founder of the ecumenical L'Arche communities that serve people with intellectual disabilities used his status to have sex with at least six women, and pressured them to keep it secret, an internal investigation found.
Vietnamese priest serves villagers quarantined for coronavirus
Since Feb. 16, Father Joseph Hoang Trong Huu has served nearly 11,000 residents in the Son Loi commune, which the government sealed off Feb. 13 for 20 days due to fears over the COVID-19 virus.