World News
Synod document raises possibility of married priests, roles for women
The Catholic Church must reach indigenous Catholics deprived of the sacraments in the remote Amazon rainforest, and that may include ordaining married elders, said the agenda for the Synod of Bishops in October.
Paris archbishop celebrates first Mass in Notre Dame since fire
Archbishop Michel Aupetit and a small group of clergy, cathedral employees and building contractors wore hard hats during a Mass June 15 because of dangers of falling masonry.
Bishop to remain with Hong Kong protesters ‘no matter how long they stay’
Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing took part in a continuous ecumenical prayer meeting outside the Legislative Council building with thousands of Christians overnight after the latest rally that drew some 2 million people.
Salvadoran authorities arrest sacristan as suspect in priest killing
Abraham Heriberto Mestizo made an initial court appearance June 14 after being formally accused by officials in Sonsonate of being involved in the killing of 35-year-old Father Cecilio Perez Cruz, found fatally shot May 18 at home.
Mexican Catholic leaders decry insecurity, plead for peace after murders
The Mexican bishops' conference issued a plea for peace after a pair of kidnappings and killings in the national capital provoked outrage and worsened perceptions of insecurity.
Philippine bishops among critics of China after fishing boat incident
At least three Philippine Catholic bishops have joined growing protests in Manila against what they described as China's "continuous bullying of the Philippines."
Quebec government passes Canada’s strictest secularism bill
A new law in Quebec prohibits the wearing of religious symbols or clothing by some government employees, including public school teachers, state lawyers, judges and police officers.
Victoria bishops become ‘conscientious objectors’ to assisted suicide law
As euthanasia becomes legal in Australia's Victoria state, the state's bishops said Catholic health care services will not cooperate with the facilitation of suicide.
Maronite bishops urge repatriation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon
Maronite Catholic bishops from around the world, meeting in Lebanon, called for unity among politicians and for the international community to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
Don’t let quake shake your hope, pope tells earthquake survivors
The pope began his visit June 16 outside the historic city by visiting the temporary modular homes of dozens of families who lost everything when an earthquake struck the region in October 2016.