World News

Vatican notes growing ecumenical consensus on what ‘church’ means

What is meant by "church" is a key ecumenical question as Christians work and pray for the unity Jesus wanted his followers to have.

Proposed Amazonian rite centered on Christ, indigenous professor says

At a synod briefing Oct. 24, Delio Siticonatzi Camaiteri, a member of the Ashaninka people and a professor from Peru, said that fears about the proposal are unwarranted because indigenous people seek unity and not division.

Climate change forcing Pacific islanders from homes, cardinal says

The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon has convinced Cardinal John Ribat of Papua New Guinea of the need for the church to work across borders on common issues, especially in promoting an integral ecology.

Pope names Nobel-winning U.S. chemical engineer to papal think tank

Pope Francis appointed Frances H. Arnold, a Nobel-winning chemical engineer from the United States, to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Hong Kong withdraws extradition bill that sparked protests

The legislation's formal withdrawal meets only one of five key demands made by protesters, who have often chanted "five demands, not one less" in Hong Kong's streets.

Many think Chinese regulations designed to stymie worship, church growth

Weeks after the first anniversary of the deal between the Vatican and the People's Republic of China on the appointment of bishops, Beijing promulgated a fresh batch of regulations governing places of worship.

Before new ministries, church must eradicate clericalism, bishop says

The way to rid the Catholic Church of clericalism is by giving laywomen a greater role in making decisions, a Bolivian bishop said.

Bolivian bishops urge transparency amid signs of electoral fraud

The vote count was suspended for nearly 24 hours after polls closed and then reopened suddenly to quickly give incumbent President Evo Morales an even larger advantage -- and nearly enough to claim an outright victory and avoid a runoff election.

Church faces conflicts with help of Holy Spirit, pope says at audience

The church resolves conflicts and discerns God's will by patiently listening, discussing and deciding under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.

Vatican confirms election of Msgr. Peter Vaccari to be president of CNEWA

Msgr. Peter Vaccari, currently rector of St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York, has been elected to succeed Msgr. John E. Kozar as president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association/Pontifical Mission for Palestine.