World News
Christians have ‘moral duty’ to help migrants, refugees, pope says
Christians have a moral obligation to show God's care for all those who are marginalized, especially migrants and refugees, Pope Francis said.
World is ‘ignoring’ persecution of Christians, says Hungarian official
Christians are the most persecuted religious group worldwide, but hypocrisy, political correctness and ignorance prevent the international community from implementing a comprehensive response to pervasive violence against them, said speakers at a U.N. event Sept. 27.
Australian diocese to pay millions in settlement in one abuse case
Australia's Ballarat Diocese will pay up to $3 million (US$2.03 million) in a landmark compensation claim for clerical sexual abuse after a victim, code name JCB, won an out-of-court settlement for abuse during the early 1990s by Gerald Ridsdale, a former priest.
Accurate reading of presynod text shows nothing to fear, theologian says
A Brazilian theologian said the working document for the upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Amazon calls for the care of God's creation, which includes not just all human life, but the earth, which is necessary to sustain that life.
Canadian: Becoming a cardinal intensifies ministry to people on margins
Cardinal-designate Michael Czerny, a Canadian Jesuit who is one of Pope Francis' point men for the pastoral care of and political advocacy for migrants and refugees, said becoming a cardinal is "an intensification" of his ministry.
China-Vatican accord promotes church’s pastoral work, speakers say
The agreement also meant that, for the first time in 70 years, all of the Catholic bishops in China are in communion with the pope and with their brother bishops throughout the world.
Mexican state lawmakers: Abortion no longer a crime in Oaxaca
Oaxaca becomes the second Mexican jurisdiction to decriminalize abortion and follows Mexico City, which approved decriminalization in 2007.
Amazon synod could ‘have something to say’ to Canada, says CCCB official
Canada's bishops will monitor discussion about ordaining married men at next month's Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, but the issue is not a priority in Canada, said Archbishop Richard Gagnon of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Australian states to have priests report abuse disclosed in confession
The Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania have become the latest in the country to pass legislation criminalizing priests who fail to report the abuse of children disclosed during confession.
Guard against doubt, fatigue by being with Christ, pope tells volunteers
Pope Francis told volunteers and social workers that they can guard against discouragement by always being with Christ when working with people in difficulty.