World News
Human trafficking is ‘crime against humanity,’ pope says
Human trafficking is a "crime against humanity," because it denies the human dignity of the victim, seeing him or her only as a piece of merchandise to be used to enrich or give pleasure to another, Pope Francis said.
Digital apostle: Pope cites tech whiz as role model for young people
The life of Venerable Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager on the road to sainthood, showed that young people could use the power of social networking and communications with "creativity and even genius," the pope said in his exhortation "Christus Vivit" ("Christ Lives").
Retired pope publishes reflection on abuse crisis
Retired Pope Benedict XVI, acknowledging his role in helping the Catholic Church come to terms with the clerical sexual abuse crisis beginning in the 1980s, wrote an article outlining his thoughts about what must be done now.
Nicaraguan bishop to leave for Rome as threats against him increase
UPDATED - A Nicaraguan bishop said he will leave the country indefinitely as concerns for his security mount -- presumably the product of his criticisms of the Central American nation's president.
Pakistani prime minister tells BBC Asia Bibi has not left for Canada
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan told the BBC in an interview published online April 10 that Bibi was still in Pakistan because there was "a little bit of a complication," which he declined to explain. "But I can assure you she is safe, and she will be leaving in weeks,"
Uganda bans alcohol sales around martyrs shrine
The decision was made after the discovery that many people who celebrate the feast of the Uganda Martyrs each June 3 ended up spending much of their time in bars and at the pork kiosks surrounding the shrine.
Draft of new constitution for Curia reform ready for consultation
A draft of the proposed apostolic constitution for reforming and governing the Roman Curia will soon be sent out to leaders of the world's bishops' conferences, religious orders and some pontifical universities for their observations and suggestions.
All are debtors before God’s love, forgiveness, pope says
Everyone is "in debt" to God, who offers his infinite love and graces for free, Pope Francis said.
Bishops say no-fault divorce in U.K. undermines marriage from outset
In the first major overhaul of U.K. divorce law for 50 years, the British government announced April 9 that it would allow couples to split up simply by filing a statement to say the marriage had broken down irretrievably.
Indian police charge bishop with repeatedly raping nun
UPDATED - Bishop Franco Mulakkal was arrested Sept. 21 after a 48-year-old member of the Missionaries of Jesus, a diocesan congregation under the prelate, complained that he raped her multiple times between 2014 and 2016 while he was visiting her convent in Kerala.