World News
German religious orders set up inquiry into sexual abuse
Catholic religious orders in Germany have set up an inquiry into sexual abuse in their monasteries and convents, following claims that abuse occurred in more than half of all monastic communities.
Italian bishops see ‘moral obligation’ to report abuse to police
Members of the Italian bishops' conference, meeting at the Vatican May 20-23, approved updated guidelines for protecting children and vulnerable adults and for handling abuse allegations.
Letter and spirit: Using universal law to guide local churches on abuse
Pope Francis' latest effort to help the Catholic Church safeguard its members from abuse and hold its leaders accountable came in the form of a new universal law, "Vos estis lux mundi" ("You are the light of the world"), which takes effect June 1.
Pope: Sport strengthens friendships, brings out best of body, mind
"Soccer is a team sport; you can't have fun alone," he said. "If it is played in this way, it can be good for the mind and the heart in a society that exasperates subjectivism -- that is, the centrality of self -- as an absolute principle."
West African bishops pledge church help to counter terror attacks
Bishops' conferences from Francophone West Africa have pledged solidarity with Christian communities after a spate of Islamist attacks and urged governments and religious leaders to do more to counter "unlooked-for menaces, tragedies and catastrophes."
True charity means focusing on Jesus and the poor, pope says
Opening the general assembly of Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of national Catholic charities, Pope Francis celebrated Mass May 23 with some 450 delegates from around the world.
Vatican official: Easter attacks were an act against all of Sri Lanka
One of the Vatican's top officials visited Sri Lanka to show solidarity with Catholics still reeling from the Easter suicide bombings that claimed more than 250 lives and injured more than 400.
Family portraits, mutual support part of Caritas global assembly
Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle added a photo of his "Lolo Kim" to a mosaic of migrants, world leaders and Caritas workers to illustrate how humanity forms one family and is sharing one journey.
Church must promote pastoral approach to human life, cardinal says
To fight a throwaway culture that pressures women to view abortion as the only alternative to a difficult pregnancy, the Catholic Church must be ready to assist, accompany and care for expectant mothers and their families, said U.S. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell.
Foster brotherhood, solidarity, pope tells new ambassadors
Nations, like individuals, have a "solemn duty" to care for the poor and to work together to promote development, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican.