World News
Maronite Catholic officials denounce 12-hour detention of archbishop
Maronite Archbishop Moussa El-Hage of Haifa and the Holy Land was taken into custody July 18 by officers of Lebanon's General Security service, while traveling to bring humanitarian aid to residents impacted by the nation's catastrophic economic collapse.
U.S. citizens, Catholics have responsibility to promote religious freedom worldwide, say panelists
Believers of all faiths are facing repression across the globe, and "there is much more to be done" to ensure their freedom, said experts at the July 20-22 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Rome.
German Synodal Path must not create new structures, doctrines, Vatican says
An unsigned July 21 "declaration of the Holy See" stated the assembly's resolutions, such as those on sexual morality and the role of women, must not become "a wound to ecclesial communion and a threat to the unity of the church."
Covenant between humanity, environment needed, pope says
In his message for the World Day of Prayer for Creation, Pope Francis described the current climate crisis as a call for humanity, especially Christians, to "repent and modify our lifestyles and destructive systems."
Pope describes Canada trip as ‘penitential pilgrimage’
Ahead of his July 24-29 visit, Pope Francis requested prayers for his journey, part of a commitment to healing and reconciliation with the country's Indigenous people.
War and peace: Ukraine ambassador sees vital role for Vatican
Andrii Yurash, Ukraine's ambassador to the Holy See, said he's grateful for Pope Francis' repeated calls calls not to grow indifferent to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, which impacts "the whole world."
Webb telescope images feed the mind and spirit, Jesuit astronomer says
The years of work to build the most advanced telescope, said the director of the Vatican Observatory, "is a tribute to the power of the human spirit, what we can do when we work together," and appreciation for what "God has given us humans, his creation."
Humanity has ‘moral obligation’ to fight climate change, pope says
The worsening climate crisis can no longer be ignored, and it is up to all people, as "stewards of (God's) gift of his creation," to act, the pope said in a message at a Vatican conference on climate change.
Pope names three women to office that helps him choose bishops
Ten days after saying he would name women to the group that helps him select bishops worldwide, Pope Francis has done so. He appointed 14 new members of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops.
Pope confirms plans to meet Russian patriarch in Kazakhstan
Pope Francis said he plans to meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in September at an interreligious meeting in Kazakhstan. The pope also said he intends to visit Kyiv and Moscow as the war in Ukraine rages.