World News
Church cares for ‘wounded couples,’ pope says
The sacrament of marriage cannot be "improvised," but must be prepared for and nourished throughout the couple's journey, Pope Francis said, adding the church "cries and suffers with" couples in crisis.
Pope saddened by deadly protests in Iraq
Pope Francis said he was concerned and saddened following two months of protests in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Pope celebrates Mass with Congolese, sharing hopes for peace
The sounds of ululations and drums and a litany of saints filled St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 1 as Pope Francis celebrated Mass according to what is commonly called the Zairean Rite.
Call me ‘Father’: Pope’s priestly vocation is his favorite gift
So much of what Pope Francis experienced in life and his vocation -- with its many ups and downs -- influenced what he says today about the priesthood, what it means and what it should be for the church.
Pope returns part of relic of Jesus’ crib to Holy Land
Pope Francis gave the relic fragment to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, which oversees the main churches and shrines associated with the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Pope asks Catholics to set up, be enchanted by a Nativity scene
A creche is a simple reminder of something astonishing: God became human to reveal the greatness of his love "by smiling and opening his arms to all," Pope Francis wrote.
Dispute ideas, pope tells theologians, but don’t confuse the faithful
"Theology must move forward," the pope told members of the International Theological Commission. "It must face things that are not clear and take risks in discussion. However, this is among theologians.
Pope advances sainthood causes of Canadian missionary, Polish martyr
The pope also formally recognized the martyrdom of 16 victims of the Spanish Civil War and advanced the causes of eight other men and women.
Belgian Salesians defend decision to send convicted pedophile to Africa
Father Carlo Loots, Belgian provincial vicar and spokesman for the Salesians of Don Bosco, said the order had learned from the incident and changed some procedures.
Irish abuse commission says it overestimated kids in religious-run homes
The Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse said the number of children housed in the institutions was approximately 42,000, about a quarter of the 170,000 previously cited in the 2009 Ryan Report.