World News
Sri Lankan government agrees to independent inquiry into Easter attacks
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has finally won a concession from Sri Lanka's government after widespread criticism of the investigation into the deadly Easter Sunday attacks.
Unassuming pastor who helped rebuild Cuban church will receive red hat
"Thanks be to God and Pope Francis" for looking upon the church in Cuba, which has spent the past five centuries praising God, proclaiming the Gospel, teaching the faith and doing works of charity, Cardinal-designate Juan Garcia Rodriguez said.
Congo’s cardinal-designate has lifelong passion for human rights
The secretary-general of the Congolese bishops' conference, called Cardinal-designate Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa "a zealous pastor and a direct, straightforward man, who holds to the truth and knows what needs doing for the good of those entrusted to him."
South African archbishop compares nation’s xenophobia to Nazi Germany
Zambia's bishops urged South African leaders to do more to stop xenophobic attacks, and a South African archbishop warned of a rising tide of hatred and violence in the country.
Amid economic growth, pope urges Mauritius to care for the young, poor
Statistical indicators show Mauritius' rapid economic growth has benefited all sectors of society, lifting thousands out of poverty over the past 30 years, but Pope Francis still urged the island's Catholics to be careful.
Pope appoints three cardinals to help lead synod on Amazon
Though Pope Francis, as pontiff, is president of the synod, the three cardinals will take turns presiding over the synod's daily sessions.
Men in Black: Belief in aliens not so far out for some Catholics
The pope's own Jesuit astronomers have long been active in discussions about extraterrestrial life, the ethics of space exploration and the religious significance of a universe that could be teeming with life.
Hard work, tender hearts: Pope prays for Madagascar’s working poor
Standing where the phrase "by the sweat of their brow" is a daily reality for hundreds of Madagascar's poor, Pope Francis prayed for those whose daily bread is earned by hard physical labor and for the unemployed longing to earn a living for their families.
Text of pope’s prayer for workers at Madagascar stone quarry
Here is the Vatican's English translation of Pope Francis' "Prayer for Workers," which he prayed Sept. 8 at the Mahatazana stone quarry.
Solidarity, not poverty, is God’s plan, pope says in Madagascar
Close to 1 million people gathered on the Soamandrakizay field for the pope's Mass, according to local organizers. Many had spent the night, sleeping on straw mats or plastic tarps and bundled up against a windy winter chill.