World News
Amazon wildfires point to urgency of upcoming church synod
The devastation from the fires "shows that the pope is right -- this is an emergency for humanity and for the church," said a Bolivian bishop. He pointed to government policies that encourage farmers to clear more forest for cattle ranching.
Lofty titles do not guarantee entrance to heaven, pope says
A life marked by humility, faith and love determines whether Christians enter heaven, not who they know, Pope Francis said.
Mexican bishop says criminal groups ‘seeking an exit,’ urges dialogue
Mexican Interior Minister Olga Sanchez Cordero said Aug. 20 that talks were occurring with armed groups, but later clarified to say that they didn't included drug cartels and rather were with so-called community police and self-defense groups.
Pope, bishops urge action to save burning Amazon rainforest
UPDATED - Describing the Amazon rainforest as "vital for our planet," Pope Francis joined the regions bishops in praying for action to extinguish the massive fires burning there.
Indian priest, five nuns accused of defaming dismissed nun
Sister Lucy Kalapura complained to police that Father Noble Thomas Parackal and five women religious collaborated to share closed-circuit TV footage of her entering her convent with two male journalists on social media with the intention of defaming her.
Rohingya refugees reject ‘unconditional return’ to Myanmar
The second attempt in nine months to repatriate hundreds of Rohingya Muslims from camps in Bangladesh failed after the refugees refused to return "unconditionally" to Myanmar.
Kenyan Catholic doctors warn against cervical cancer vaccination of girls
The Ministry of Health has said the vaccination is targeting the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cancer of the cervix. Two free doses of the vaccine -- administered 10 months apart -- will be given to 10-year-old girls.
Bangladesh flood victims reel as aid agencies struggle to respond
Monsoon flooding in 28 of the country's 64 districts affected more than 7 million people, left tens of thousands of houses uninhabitable and destroyed crops over vast areas.
Matters of life and death: Pope to bring his message to southern Africa
Rejecting violence, promoting interreligious harmony, caring for the environment and stamping out government corruption are expected to be high on the agenda Sept. 4-10 when Pope Francis visits Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Vatican investigates abuse allegation against Chilean president’s uncle
In a statement released Aug. 20, the nunciature said the preliminary investigation will determine the credibility of an accusation of abuse allegedly committed "more than 50 years ago" by Archbishop Pinera who, at 103, is the oldest living bishop in the world.