World News
Throwing away food is like throwing away people, pope says
"Waste reveals an indifference toward those who go without," Pope Francis told leaders of European food banks, calling for "a more humane" economy. Progress advances when "we walk with those who are left behind."
Pope encourages Catholics to join ecumenical prayer campaign
Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, used his phone to record the video message by Pope Francis when the two met at the Vatican April 11.
Fight fake news with humble search for truth, pope tells journalists
The task of journalism is to seek the truth, which requires humility and freedom of the press, Pope Francis told foreign correspondents working in Italy.
Vatican court clears official accused of solicitation in confessional
Five court members convened May 15, it said in a communique, and "acquitted the defendant" because the "configuration" or appearance of the alleged crime was not "proven with the moral certitude necessary after a careful examination of the affair."
Pope assures missionaries of his prayers for kidnapped priest
Pope Francis assured members of the Society of African Missions that he, too, was praying for their confrere, Father Pierluigi Maccalli, kidnapped in Niger in September.
Conscientious objection must be respectful, pope tells health care workers
Without respect, conscientious objection can be "a reason for contempt or pride" that would impede dialogue "with those who hold different positions" and mask the true reason of that objection, which is to the seek the patient's well-being.
Conservationists at Vatican conference call for protecting biodiversity
People's attitudes toward nature as well as their economic systems and consumption habits need to radically change in order to protect biodiversity on the planet and promote a more sustainable and caring world.
Pope chooses theme for World Meeting of Families 2021
The office May 17 announced the theme Pope Francis has chosen for the next World Meeting of Families, which will be in Rome June 23-27, 2021: "Family love: A vocation and a path to holiness."
Vanier funeral highlights God’s love for each person
Gathered in a makeshift chapel around a simple pine casket, members of L'Arche communities and Faith and Light groups from around the world mourned the passing of Jean Vanier and celebrated his life, his wisdom, his holiness and humanity.
Mexican court allows abortion if mother’s health is at risk
The May 15 decision declared that denying a woman access to an abortion if her health is at risk violated the patient's right to health, even though Mexico's criminal code does not mention the health of the mother as a motive for allowing the termination of a pregnancy.