World News
Put the phone away and talk to each other, pope urges families
During his Dec. 29 Angelus address, Pope Francis prayed that people all over the world would end 2019 "in peace" and that families would mark New Year's by "communicating with one another."
Maltese cardinal, patristic scholar, dies at 94
Cardinal Prosper Grech had said a few years prior to his Dec. 30 death that the church proclaims the good news of salvation by "presenting the Gospel without shortcuts, without diluting the word."
Nigerian diocesan spokesman: Bridal party beheaded en route to wedding
The Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri confirmed that Martha Bulus and her companions were killed Dec. 26 at Gwoza, in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Indian cardinal says religion should never be basis for citizenship
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai joined Catholic and Christian leaders in denouncing a controversial citizenship law that has sparked violent protests throughout India.
Chilean church leaders seek ‘manger of solidarity’ after Christmas fires
Some 1,000 residents lost their homes in fires that swept through hillside neighborhoods around the southern port city of Valparaiso on Dec. 24 and 25.
Pope begins restoring normal governance to Chilean dioceses
In the wake of a massive clerical sexual abuse and cover-up scandal, Pope Francis named archbishops for the archdioceses of Santiago and Puerto Montt on Dec. 27.
Mideast Catholic patriarchs pray for those suffering, appeal for dialogue
Church leaders said that violence, poverty and protests in Iraq and Lebanon, as well as the brutal war in Syria, show "how much our world needs Christmas in this climate of hatred and violence."
Pope, at Angelus, prays for Philippine victims of typhoon
During his Dec. 26 address, Pope Francis said he shared the suffering of those affected by the storm, which claimed at least 20 lives and forced thousands to evacuate.
Pope prays Christmas softens hardened hearts to bring peace, justice
In his Christmas blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world), Pope Francis called for compassion and cooperation in aiding those affected by "economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts."
Christmas says, ‘You are loved,’ pope says in homily
The birth of Jesus reveals a divine love "changes lives" even when people have made "a complete mess of things," said Pope Francis at the Dec. 24 Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.