World News
Pope tells French reporter he’s honored by attacks on his ministry
"In an informal context, the pope wanted to say that he always considers criticisms an honor, particularly when they come from authoritative thinkers -- in this case from an important nation."
President, dancers, crowds welcome Pope Francis to Mozambique
Greeted with full military honors, traditional dances and huge crowds lining the streets, Pope Francis arrived in Mozambique Sept. 4 at the start of a weeklong trip to Africa.
Pope to create 13 new cardinals in October
Pope Francis announced he will create 13 new cardinals Oct. 5, choosing prelates from 13 different nations as a sign of "the missionary vocation of the church that continues to proclaim the merciful love of God to all men and women of the earth."
New cardinals: Pope’s choices stress dialogue, care for poor
After the consistory to create new cardinals in early October, Pope Francis will have chosen more than half of the men who will enter the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor.
Repent, convert, pray, give up fossil fuels, pope says
"Now is the time to abandon our dependence on fossil fuels and move, quickly and decisively, toward forms of clean energy," Pope Francis said as he marked the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Nigerian bishop condemns killing of priest who had worked for peace
Father David Tanko, a parish priest in Taraba state, was ambushed and killed while traveling to a meeting to help resolve local ethnic conflicts. Police were investigating the incident.
New appointment in Syro-Malabar archdiocese rocked by tensions
In a step designed to quell ongoing controversies, the Vatican announced the appointment of a vicar for the head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and Pope Francis conferred on him the personal title of archbishop.
Immigration crackdowns won’t stop people fleeing, Honduran priest says
Inequality, corruption and lack of opportunity in Honduras, considered among the poorest and most violent in the hemisphere, ensure people will continue to migrate despite the obstacles, said a well-known Jesuit activist.
‘Green’ burial laws might not respect bodies or nature, Catholics say
Chemicals break down a human body and allow it to be composted, but they could have a negative impact on the environment. The practice in a new law may also violate Catholic teaching on respect for human remains.
South Sudan’s bishops praise peace agreement for neighboring Sudan
Catholic bishops in South Sudan praised the recent peace agreement for neighboring Sudan, which has experienced political turmoil since April, when the military ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.