World News
Pope names relator general, special secretaries for Amazon synod
The relator is responsible for providing a comprehensive outline of the synod's theme at the beginning of the meeting and for summarizing the speeches of synod members before work begins on concrete proposals for the pope.
Mexico celebrates beatification of first laywoman
The beatification Mass of Blessed Maria Concepcion Cabrera was celebrated May 4 by Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, at the famed basilica.
Barracks life teaches diversity is not a threat, pope tells Swiss Guard
Life in a military barracks -- with so many different people living in such close proximity -- teaches much needed social, spiritual and ethical values, Pope Francis told new recruits to the Swiss Guard.
Early evacuation in India spares more than 1 million from deadly cyclone
A powerful cyclone ripped through eastern India and sideswiped Bangladesh, leaving a trail of destruction and more than 30 deaths. Authorities said the evacuation of 1.2 million people from more than 10,000 villages prior to Cyclone Fani's landfall prevented a larger death toll.
Asian Church leaders voice alarm over decline in press freedom
Media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said it takes a "lot of courage" to work as a journalist these days amid the threat of censorship, intimidation and even violence.
Respect rights of indigenous people, culture, pope tells mining industry
A "fallacious" economic model that exploits the earth's resources while disregarding the rights and cultures of indigenous people has left the planet in a precarious condition and requires a change of heart that places the common good before financial gain, Pope Francis said.
Fearful Venezuelan migrants find warm welcome from church in Brazil
The border between Venezuela and Brazil has been closed since Feb. 22, but hundreds of Venezuelan migrants still stream across daily, seeking refuge from a worsening political and economic crisis.
Quebec considering Canada’s strictest law governing religious symbols
The Quebec government is preparing to adopt what would become the most stringent secularism legislation in Canada, which would prohibit wearing religious symbols, such as a cross, a veil or a kippah, for some people "in the performance of their duties."
Holy boldness: Profile of women religious rising at Vatican
The Vatican can move at a snail's pace but looking back over the past six years, the profile of women, especially women religious, at Vatican events has risen sharply.
Australian church to review governance after sex abuse inquiry
The Australian Catholic Church is continuing on its groundbreaking path toward a potential dramatic overhaul with the announcement that a panel of experts will thoroughly review the governance and management structures of Catholic dioceses and parishes.