World News
Synod document is to aid discussion, not be church teaching, cardinal says
Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes said the working document for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is not official church teaching, but rather a way for bishops to listen to the local church's concerns.
Peru’s church leaders call for end to corruption amid political crisis
Peruvian church leaders called for dialogue and an end to corruption amid a political crisis that erupted Sept. 30, when President Martin Vizcarra dissolved Congress and the legislature then voted to remove him from office.
Vatican publishes initial schedule for papal trip to Thailand, Japan
Peace, interreligious dialogue and respectful missionary outreach will be the top themes when Pope Francis visits Thailand and Japan in late November.
U.S. officials seek closer ties with Vatican on religious freedom
Promoting religious freedom, providing humanitarian aid and fighting human trafficking are three issues for which the Vatican and the Trump administration want to coordinate efforts.
Vatican hires anti-Mafia prosecutor to run court system
UPDATED - Vatican police conducted a raid on offices in the Secretariat of State and its financial oversight office Oct. 1 following complaints of financial mismanagement, the Vatican press office said.
Without Holy Spirit, preaching becomes proselytizing, pope says
"Evangelization means letting the Holy Spirit guide you, that he is the one that pushes you to announce, to proclaim with your witness, with martyrdom as well as with the word," Pope Francis said.
Pope names Maltese bishop as pro-secretary of Synod of Bishops
Bishop Mario Grech will eventually succeed Italian Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri as secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops once he finishes his term.
German bishops press ahead with plans for reform consultation
Germany's Catholic bishops are pressing ahead with a national reform consultation, or "synodal way," despite cautions from the Vatican and criticism from some bishops.
Pope opens Missionary Month with call to share joy, hope, talents
Opening the Extraordinary Missionary Month at a prayer vigil in St. Peter's Basilica Oct. 1, the pope said God "is asking you not simply to go through life, but to give life; not to complain about life, but to share in the tears of all who suffer."
Tikuna deacon prepares to become first priest from Amazonian tribe
Deacon Ferney Pereira will become the first priest from the Tikuna ethnic group, a tribe of about 60,000 people that live deep in the Amazon, along a stretch of the jungle shared by Colombia, Peru and Brazil.