World News
Pope adds year of missionary service to Vatican diplomats’ training
Following up on a suggestion made during the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, students of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy will spend time serving to reawaken and enhance the faith in mission areas.
Cardinal Pell’s appeal of abuse conviction to be heard March 11-12
The former senior advisor to Pope Francis will face the High Court of Australia in a final bid to be cleared of charges that he sexually abused two 13-year-old choirboys, while civil lawsuits remain pending.
British Columbia couple on quarantined cruise ship relying on faith
Marichu and Ding Camales-Torrijos don't expect to leave the Diamond Princess until Feb. 19 after the cruise ship was quarantined following discovery of the coronavirus on board.
Pope shares with U.S. bishops his frustration with reaction to Amazon text
In a Feb. 13 meeting with prelates from the southern U.S., Pope Francis said that, like them, he is accused of fear or obstinacy when he encounters opposition - as he has with his stance against married priests.
Architect of China’s cross removal to oversee Hong Kong, Macau affairs
The appointment of Xia Baolong is seen as an indication that Beijing intends to take a hardline approach in the financial hub that has been roiled by more than six months of street protests.
Hong Kong Diocese cancels Masses to prevent coronavirus from spreading
Cardinal John Tong, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, said the "disappointing" decision had been made to suppress the epidemic, which has sickened more than 60,000 and killed some 1,300.
Pope on women in Amazon church: Don’t try to ‘clericalize’ them
The pope devoted an entire section of "Querida Amazonia" to praising how lay and religious women have kept the faith alive in the Amazon. But he flatly rejected a request to consider ordaining women deacons.
In Amazon document, pope calls for conversion first, then action
"We need to feel outrage," Pope Francis wrote about the cruelty that has taken place in the Amazon region. A new way of thinking and doing is needed to care for people and ecosystems, which are inseparable.
No quick fix for priest shortage in Amazon region, pope says
Rather than approve ordination of married men as priests, Pope Francis wants to "awaken new life" in the Amazon's communities." He seeks a broader rejuvenation of the church led by laypeople to foster priestly vocations.
Nonviolent response urged for terrorist killings in Nigeria
Describing a seminarian who was kidnapped and killed by terrorists as a martyr, a Nigerian bishop called on the country's president to protect people of all faiths, and for Christians to take the nonviolent "road less traveled."