World News
Pope’s letter on Amazon region skirts ordination issues
Praising the Amazon's rich natural resources and cultures, Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation "Querida Amazonia" made no mention of ordaining married men as priests or women as deacons.
Pope, Ukrainian president discuss peace, prisoners of war
After meeting with Pope Francis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the pontiff's efforts for peace. He said he asked the pope's help "to liberate the Ukrainians imprisoned in Donbass, Crimea and Russia."
Generous help of Knights counters culture of indifference, pope says
Pope Francis told a group of Knights of Columbus visiting the Vatican that they were "a sign of God's infinite love" because of their charitable efforts. He praised their help for Christians in the Middle East.
Pope names critic of war on drugs to head Manila Archdiocese
Following the departure of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle for a post at the Vatican, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo is the new apostolic administrator. He has criticized President Rodrigo Duterte on several occasions.
Mideast patriarchs tell pope they’re concerned about Christian survival
In a private meeting with Pope Francis, Catholic prelates sounded the alarm regarding the survival of Christians in the region as a result of persecution, extremism, economic stress and immigration.
U.S. bishops ask pope about Amazon synod, discuss range of issues
Pope Francis told U.S. bishops from the mountain states that people expecting the ordination of married men and women deacons in the Amazon will be disappointed in his upcoming letter, due Feb. 12.
Chinese Catholic charity needs medical supplies to fight coronavirus
As deaths continue to rise from the coronavirus epidemic, many masks and protective clothing are consumed daily by health care workers. More than 24,500 people are now infected and face pneumonia.
Leaders on global finance reform meet at Vatican
As Pope Francis explained "Blessed are the poor in spirit" Feb. 5, high-level economic experts were working on concrete solutions to overcome chronic global inequalities, instability and injustice.
Germany’s church synod draws praise, criticism
The 230 lay, religious and clergy participants in an assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany are debating reforms that are viewed both positively and with skepticism.
Deportees from U.S. killed after return to El Salvador, observers say
Some 138 Salvadorans have been murdered and 70 others assaulted after being sent back to their violent Central American country from the United States, said Human Rights Watch.