World News

Remember your politicians in prayer, pope says

While it seems people prefer to insult their leaders, Pope Francis said he thought it would be a wonderful thing if politicians prayed for the people they govern and people prayed for those in authority.

Peace comes from prayer, not building walls, pope says

Offering his message for an annual interreligious peace meeting, Pope Francis urged prayers for peace, which is "the gift of God" that has been "squandered with new wars" and with "new walls and new barriers."

Islam expert brings red hat to multicultural ministry in Liverpool

Once the top expert on Islam at the Vatican, Cardinal-designate Michael Fitzgerald is unsure whether a new top-ranking title will help or hamper his work ministering in a multicultural inner-city parish in Liverpool, England.

Pope to visit Thailand, Japan in November

Pope Francis will finally fulfill his desire to be a missionary to Japan when he visits the country, as well as Thailand, Nov. 20-26, the Vatican announced.

New admission by diocese could cost Australian church millions in claims

The Australian Catholic Church could face tens of millions dollars in compensation claims after the Diocese of Ballarat in Victoria state admitted, for the first time, it knew of the behavior of a pedophile priest yet continued to move him around from parish to parish.

Pope wanted apostles’ relics united to encourage Christian unity

In a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, Pope Francis explained in detail the reasons he sent him a bronze reliquary containing nine bone fragments of St. Peter in late June.

Vatican officials offer guidance for German church gathering

The pontifical council said that, in proposing a process that would include "binding deliberations" on new rules for the church in Germany, the bishops were, in effect, planning a "plenary council," which would require prior approval by Pope Francis.

Indian church leaders: Child rape charges concocted against priest, nurse

Church officials in the state, where the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party runs the government, say the case was fabricated amid a hostile atmosphere generated toward the state's Christians, mostly tribal people.

Nuns try to fight lure of Europe by offering programs for young Nigerians

The Fullness of Life Counseling and Development Initiative is an anti-trafficking organization that focuses on rebuilding the lives of returnees and provides empowerment programs for them to earn a living.

Roll up your sleeves, get ready to get dirty, pope tells new bishops

New bishops need to prepare for a life filled with God's surprises, with daily plans that change at the last minute and, especially, for a life dedicated to spending time with God and with the people, Pope Francis said.