World News
Modern martyrs praying for peace, Christian unity, pope says
The martyrs of Christian churches throughout the Middle East are together in heaven, interceding for peace in the region and enjoying the unity for which all Christians on earth must strive, Pope Francis said.
Cardinal Bo: Myanmar church has ‘zero tolerance’ approach to sexual abuse
Cardinal Bo said he was not certain he would be at the Vatican's summit on protection of minors in the church Feb. 21-24, because he is not president of a national bishops' conference; he is, however, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.
Ex-agents in Poland face charges for framing Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko
Polish prosecutors have charged three former communist secret police agents with attempting to frame Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko before they abducted and murdered him.
Pope looks back 800 years to St. Francis’ dialogue with Muslim sultan
The anniversary has special meaning in the United Arab Emirates, which Pope Francis will visit Feb. 3-5. It is served by the Capuchin Franciscans, who urge getting to know "Muslims and people of all faiths as fellow travelers."
India’s Supreme Court rejects bail for nun held seven months, not charged
The 61-year-old nun was arrested along with a staff member at the home following complaints that the staff member accepted money from a childless couple to give them a baby and then failed to do so.
Pope praises respect for diversity in United Arab Emirates
Foreign workers and other expatriates account for about 80 percent of the population in the United Arab Emirates, where Pope Francis will visit Feb. 3-5.
WikiLeaks releases documents on Knights of Malta controversy
Among the cache of dossiers, memos and documents released by the organization Jan. 30 were confidential letters signed by Pope Francis and Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, patron of the Knights of Malta, prior to the crisis that engulfed the order in early 2017.
Central African bishops ask U.N. to lift arms embargo
Violent groups continue to procure arms illegally, and the only effect of the embargo is that the army has been substantially weakened, the bishops said.
Bishops in troubled region praise Congo president, despite disputed polls
The eight-member provincial episcopal assembly of Kananga said the election of Felix Tshisekedi was the "crowning moment of a long political fight" for "democracy and social progress for all."
Affirming celibacy, pope explains narrow possibility for married priests
Many people were surprised when the pope told reporters during the flight that he did not think optional celibacy for priests in the Latin-rite church was a good idea.