World News
Pope leads pilgrims in prayer for victims of mosque attack
"I am close to our Muslim brothers and sisters and their entire community. I renew my invitation to unite with them in prayer and gestures of peace to counter hatred and violence," the pope said March 17 during his Sunday Angelus address.
Pope encourages South Sudan peace process, hopes to visit
As the process to implement a peace accord in South Sudan continues, Pope Francis met March 16 with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and expressed the hope that, finally, he would be able to visit the country.
Vatican-China agreement motivated by mission, cardinal says
The Vatican's tentative agreement with the government of mainland China obviously has a diplomatic component, but it was motivated by a desire to spread the Gospel and ensure the appropriate freedom of the Catholic Church, the Vatican secretary of state wrote.
Worn marble steps of Holy Stairs to be uncovered for public to climb
For the first time in 300 years, the marble steps of the Holy Stairs will be free from the thick wooden panels installed in 1723 to protect the stairs and left uncovered for the public.
Polish church releases first report on clerical sex abuse
The report listed 382 cases of sexual abuse between 1990 and 2018, involving 625 minors: 58 percent boys and 42 percent girls.
Cardinal Marx: Church must have serious debate on celibacy, role of women
The Catholic Church in Germany is at a point where serious debate -- including on priestly celibacy and the role of women -- and openness to doing things in a new way must encouraged, said the president of the German bishops' conference.
Santiago church recommends ex-cathedral rector be removed from priesthood
The priest made "very serious statements against victims of abuse, the priestly ministry and the sacraments of marriage and confession, among other expressions that we categorically reject," the statement said.
Church must follow, accept local laws on abuse, Father Zollner says
The Catholic Church must respect the law and accept court decisions regarding clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up, said Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a leading expert in child protection.
After attacks, New Zealand bishops tell Muslims: ‘We hold you in prayer’
New Zealand's Catholic bishops have expressed horror and distress at a terrorist attack in two mosques in Christchurch that saw at least 49 people killed.
European Catholic justice and peace groups urge action to protect rights
Catholic justice and peace commissions have called for greater attention to social justice across the European Union, urging political leaders to take steps to curb food waste, arms exports and multinational abuses.