World News
Calming consciences: Pope gives seafarer chaplains special powers
Pope Francis gave priests who minister to seafarers special permission to grant absolution for sins that usually would require the intervention of a bishop or the Vatican itself.
Eastern light: Deacon shares Maronite tradition at Rome seminary
The ordination of Michael Shami to the diaconate was the first at the Pontifical North American College in more than 20 years to use the Antiochene Syriac rite of the Maronite Catholic Church.
Indifference, apathy at heart of hunger crisis, pope says
If the world is to succeed in eradicating the scourge of hunger, it must first fight against the indifference, apathy and broken promises that allow the crisis to continue, Pope Francis said.
Bishops in Central African Republic warn of cycle of violence from gangs
Catholic bishops in the Central African Republic have condemned actions by an armed gang loyal to the country's president and warned of growing exasperation with empty peace pledges.
Many Zambians ‘have nothing to eat,’ so bishops raise money
Zambia's bishops have launched a campaign to raise $9 million for food to be distributed in remote parts of the country hit by drought and floods.
Christian community a place of welcome, solidarity, pope says
To be part of a Christian community is to belong to a group of believers who shun selfishness and give witness to God's love by loving and caring for one another, Pope Francis said.
‘Robust’ religious freedom, education seen as key to countering attacks
In an address at the U.N. June 24, 2019, Archbishop Bernardito Auza called for fostering tolerance and inclusivity to counter terrorism and "other acts of violence based on religion or belief."
East African bishops condemn Eritrea seizure of church health centers
In mid-June, the Eritrean government confiscated all church-run clinics and health centers. Government security officers are said to have removed the staff from the health centers and closed them.
Cardinal Burke cuts ties with institute, citing its alignment with Bannon
UPDATED - U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke has resigned from the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, saying it has become "more and more identified with the political program" of Steve Bannon.
Cuban Catholics pray for Cardinal Ortega battling terminal cancer
The archbishop of Havana said his predecessor, Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, is in stable condition, but his health has weakened and taken a downturn in recent days.