World News
Pope criticizes tax havens, crushing debt burdens
Pope Francis told leaders of major financial institutions and economic experts to "work together to end these injustices" in the current economic system.
Palestinians say Trump peace plan doesn’t bode well for future
Palestinian Catholics are concerned about how the plan would further whittle away their freedom of movement on a day-to-day basis and increase Israeli control over their lives.
Seminarian murdered by kidnappers in Nigeria
The kidnapping of four seminarians is the latest in a string of attacks against Christians in Nigeria, who have been targeted by terrorist groups and by bandits extorting money from the Catholic Church.
Vatican donates masks to China to combat coronavirus outbreak
Since Jan. 27, the Vatican has sent up to 700,000 protective masks to three affected regions in China. "The whole world is standing together to fight the virus," said a Chinese priest in Rome.
Vows of religious women, men not sacrifices but freedom, pope says
Celebrating the World Day for Consecrated Life Feb. 1, Pope Francis urged women and men religious to be people of hope. He asked all Catholics to pray for them as they serve God and their brothers and sisters.
Rwandan Catholic Church to build cathedral at former prison
A swap of land with the government means the old, small cathedral in the capital, Kigali, will be replaced with a larger church. It is seen as a sign of improving relations between church and state.
Parties working to get U.S., Russia to discuss nuclear arms reduction
The Vatican is promoting efforts to bring U.S. and Russian negotiators to the table as the New Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, or New START, is set to expire next year, said an official Jan. 30 in Washington.
Church must recognize the gifts of older Catholics, pope says
In a Jan. 31 address to a Vatican conference on pastoral care for the elderly, 83-year-old Pope Francis said that the Lord "wants to write new pages of holiness, service and prayer" with seniors.
French cardinal to offer resignation, despite abuse acquittal
Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, whose jail sentence for failing to report abuse was overturned Jan. 30, said the decision is a chance for him to "turn a page, and for the church of Lyon to open a new chapter."
Pope meets president of Argentina; no news of papal trip home
A Jan. 31 meeting with Alberto Fernandez sparked talk of a return to Pope Francis' homeland, which he has not seen since his 2013 election. The two leaders discussed the South American nation's struggles with finances, poverty, corruption and drugs.