World News
Grenade blast outside Philippine cathedral might have targeted military
A Dec. 22 explosion outside the Catholic cathedral in the city of Cotabato wounded at least 12 people, including eight soldiers on patrol. Attacks in nearby towns that wounded at least eight people may be related, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Catholic leaders in Holy Land pray Christmas season will bring justice
In a joint message, the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem affirmed the "hope and life" brought by Jesus' birth, even amid inequality and war. A separate message condemned the Dec. 21 burning of public Christmas trees in two villages in Galilee.
Legionaries report ‘chain of abuse’ as victims went on to abuse others
In a Dec. 21 analysis, the Rome-based order stated that the order's deceased founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, sexually abused at least 60 minors and that at least another 51 youngsters were abused in connection with his actions.
Pope sets term of office for dean of College of Cardinals
After accepting the resignation of 92-year-old Cardinal Angelo Sodano as the college's dean, Pope Francis changed the norms so that the dean would be elected to a five-year term renewable only once.
‘Christendom no longer exists,’ pope says, explaining need to revamp Curia
Ridigity and fear of change prevent the church from fulfilling its mission to preach the Gospel, Pope Francis told cardinals and Vatican officials at a Dec. 21 meeting. The pope stressed that "at the center of everything is the stability of God."
Before the bell: Pope pays surprise visit to Rome high school
Some 800 students met Pope Francis there Dec. 20; he was ready to listen to their questions and offer his reflections.
Pope, U.N. chief record video with their Christmas wishes for peace
Pope Francis and the secretary-general of the United Nations said that, like millions of people around the world, during the Christmas season their thoughts turn to yearnings for peace and for the well-being of those in need.
Kenyan bishops pray for 300,000 affected by flooding
Since more than 100 people who have died in flooding and landslides since October, the bishops of Kenya urged protecting forest cover and promoting agricultural practices that protect the environment.
Mexican president: Leave church-state separation alone
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador disapproves of a proposal that would scrap some of the restrictions separating church and state, but also could have broken the seal of confession.
Pope meets new arrivals in Rome, says helping migrants is moral duty
Before blessing a large resin cross constructed around a used orange life vest, Pope Francis insisted human beings have a "binding" moral obligation to save those whose lives are threatened, including the lives of migrants and refugees.