World News
Pope discusses deaconesses, need for nuns to be servants not ‘maids’
The pope's comments came during his meeting with those taking part in the May 6-10 plenary of the International Union of Superiors General, which represents more than 450,000 sisters in more than 100 countries.
Catholic bishops urge ‘solidarity vote’ in support of European Union
Catholic bishops from France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg have said the European Union risks being undermined by growing national opposition and urged citizens to rally behind it in upcoming continent-wide elections.
Hope and mercy needed to combat indifference, pope tells foundation
In a world marked by violence, conflict as well as material and spiritual poverty, men and women need the Gospel message of hope, Pope Francis told members of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation.
Pope: Without Holy Spirit, dioceses can become worldly businesses
A diocese that cares more about being an organized workplace rather than announcing the good news can fall prey to clericalism and distance itself from Christ, Pope Francis said.
Days of covering up abuse allegations are over, says Vatican adviser
The new norms are important, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said, because they clearly tell people they have an obligation to report already existing crimes, negligence and inappropriate behavior to church authorities.
Some Quebec bishops uneasy with pro-life leader’s anti-Francis stance
"Attacking Pope Francis this way is going far too far," Bishop Noel Simard said about the letter signed by 19 Catholics from different countries. Only one Canadian initially signed this letter: Georges Buscemi, who has been in charge of Campagne Quebec-Vie since 2009.
Never lose hope for a better future, pope tells Gypsy communities
Members of Italy's Gypsy communities must look to God to hold on to the hope of a future where they are no longer discriminated against or segregated, Pope Francis said.
Australian church looks for more collegial models of governance
The Australian Catholic Church is looking for more collegial models of governance in Catholic schools, hospitals and charities as it conducts an unprecedented review of existing clerical and hierarchical models that have failed dioceses and parishes during the ongoing child sex abuse crisis.
Pope issues new norms on mandatory abuse reporting, bishop accountability
Pope Francis has revised and clarified norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable in protecting minors as well as in protecting members of religious orders and seminarians from abuse.
Of scribes and Pharisees: Conference challenges negative stereotypes
A number of scholars and experts were hoping greater knowledge about biblical interpretations and the role that Pharisees actually played, especially those who were followers of Jesus, could lead to a use of the term that is more consistent with historical fact rather than a broad brush for negative stereotypes.