World News

Paraguay pays tribute to 90-year-old Jesuit

It does not matter if it is in a demonstration against the International Monetary Fund or to support a small displaced indigenous community, Spanish Jesuit Francisco de Paula Oliva, 90, will be there.

Vatican issues updated norms for personal ordinariates

The updated "complementary norms" include a provision Pope Francis approved in 2013 explicitly stating that the personal ordinariates are not only for former Anglicans and their families, but also may include persons evangelized and brought into the Catholic Church through the ordinariate's ministry.

Pope scheduled to address South Sudan leaders meeting at Vatican

To help bring lasting peace to a nation scarred by civil war, Pope Francis was scheduled to speak with and bless leaders from South Sudan gathered for a spiritual retreat at the Vatican.

Argentine martyrs’ lives recall military rule of 1970s

The Martyrs of La Rioja, who will be beatified April 27, were murdered in Argentina's era of military rule and church acquiescence as abuses occurred. Their pastoral ministry followed the path of Vatican II and has been championed by Pope Francis.

Longtime Irish Trocaire worker dies in road accident in Guatemala

Sally O'Neill worked for Trocaire -- the Irish word for mercy -- for some 37 years in developing countries. The charity announced her death April 8, following the accident.

Abandon gangs, turn in your knives, English cardinal urges young people

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster has called on young people to get rid of their knives in an attempt to stem an epidemic of violence sweeping the U.K.

Pope is close to wounded survivors, faithful in Chile, bishop says

Bishop Celestino Aos Braco said he met with Pope Francis April 5 to discuss the situation of the local church and the suffering that abuse survivors and all Catholics in Chile have endured following the revelations of abuse and cover-up.

Family tradition: Carrying the cross on Jerusalem’s Via Dolorosa

Mousa Kamar, can be seen every year at the front left of the cross, the same position where his father used to carry the cross. His grandfather also helped carry the front of the cross.

Papal commission for protection of minors meets in Rome

The commission met in Rome April 4-7 for its 10th plenary assembly, which was opened by its president, Cardinal O'Malley, archbishop of Boston.

Pope recognizes virtues of French brother who served in the Caribbean

The pope also advanced the sainthood causes of seven other candidates -- including a 9-year-old Brazilian boy -- during a meeting April 6 with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes.