World News
In letter, pope encourages priests dejected by abuse crisis
Pope Francis acknowledged the shame and frustration felt by priests who are discouraged by the actions of fellow clergy members who betrayed the trust of their flock through sexual abuse and abuse of conscience and power.
Pope urges families build a better future through stronger prayer life
His prayer intention for the month of August invites people to pray that "families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly schools of true human development."
Another diocese in Congo steps up efforts against Ebola
Church officials in the heavily Catholic country have called for an international strategy to contain Ebola as the nation faces political instability and multiple armed conflicts.
Thousands of Philippine Catholics march to defend church leaders
Catholics in a northern Philippines archdiocese marched in support of church leaders accused of conspiring to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte.
Polish church leader condemns ‘worsening attacks’ on clergy, churches
The president of the Polish bishops' conference condemned attacks on clergy and places of worship in the traditionally Catholic country as the church countered media accusations of inciting violence against LGBTQ groups.
Piracy, mental health among issues for sailors, Canadian chaplain finds
International Maritime Bureau statistics show that 57 ships were boarded, three were hijacked and nine were fired upon by armed pirates between January and June this year. In five separate incidents, 21 crew members were kidnapped.
Hush hour: Spirituality of silence is a journey toward God, priest says
A Capuchin priest has spent the past 10 years offering courses on silence, which is an important part of Christian spirituality and mental well being. It is increasingly scarce in a busy, media-saturated world.
Chile: Jesuits publish inquiry results, confirm abuses by famed priest
While deceased Jesuit Father Renato Poblete Barth was known publicly as a champion of the poor in Chile, an internal investigation funded by the Jesuits revealed that the famed clergyman abused more than a dozen women over a span of nearly 50 years.
Religious sisters at forefront of fight against human trafficking, slavery
A worldwide network of 2,000 Catholic religious sisters marked the 10th anniversary of its efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery July 29.
U.S. priest to receive reports of abuse, cover-up at Vatican City State
U.S. Msgr. Robert Oliver was appointed to be the contact person for people with information or concerns about potential cases of abuse and cover-up within the Vicariate of Vatican City State.