World News
Immaculate Conception is feast of hope for sinners, pope says
The pope joined thousands of people near the Spanish Steps in central Rome to pay homage to the Immaculate Conception at a Marian statue atop a tall column.
Australian government revising religious discrimination legislation
The Australian government has decided to revisit its religious discrimination legislation after key religious groups -- including the Archdiocese of Sydney -- said they would withdraw their support.
Pope says he is ‘scandalized’ by anti-migrant rhetoric
During his apostolic trip to Thailand, Pope Francis spoke about resistance to addressing climate change and about hostility to migrants and refugees.
Rise in populism due to lack of listening, dialogue, pope says
Ignoring the reality lived by men and women today has caused a resurgence of old ideologies, such as populism, that inevitably do more harm than good, Pope Francis said.
Bishops, pope rely on Mary to watch over church, Archbishop Gregory says
Just as children run to their mother's arms in times of trouble, Catholics -- including popes and bishops -- know they can and should turn to Mary, said Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington.
Mexican churches cease evening Masses, fearing violence
A diocese bordering the national capital has suspended evening Masses, a reflection of the violence raging in parts of Mexico and its impact on the Catholic Church. People fear leaving their homes after dark.
Caritas delivers food aid to flood victims in Muslim Somalia
Caritas, the relief arm of the Catholic Church, has delivered food aid to Muslims in Somalia, who are currently facing floods and living in a fragile peace environment due a prolonged Islamist insurgency.
Indonesia to deploy 160,000 people to protect churches for Christmas
This is an increase from last year, when nearly 90,000 security personnel guarded about 50,000 churches across the country.
At Madrid climate talks, Catholics work to provide ‘moral perspective’
A network of 17 Catholic development agencies in Europe and North America noted the importance of Catholic organizations at the talks, since more and more private sector and commercial companies attend.
Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree
The 85-foot-tall spruce tree came from the forests of the Veneto region in northeast Italy and another 20 smaller trees were donated by communities in the region's province of Vicenza.