World News
Seeking Christ’s face: Some believe hilltop shrine holds true relic
Devotees believe that the almost transparent cloth was one of the burial shrouds that covered the face of Jesus in the tomb and that the image was formed miraculously at the moment of the resurrection.
New firearms decree in Brazil worries poor neighborhood in Sao Paulo
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree in mid-January making it easier for Brazilians to purchase firearms. The decision sparked criticism from several groups in Brazilian society, including some in the Catholic Church.
Vatican summit to help nations lagging on abuse policies, Jesuit says
Only about half of the national bishops' conferences in the world have adopted complete, Vatican-approved guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sexual abuse and promoting child protection.
Tolerance-plus: Pope in Abu Dhabi will build on relations with Muslims
When Pope Francis visits Abu Dhabi Feb. 3-5, he will visit a land where interreligious tolerance is mandated by law; while Catholics in the United Arab Emirates count their blessings for that, the pope is expected to nudge for something more.
Australia delegation makes pre-WYD stops at March for Life, Guadalupe
Australia's biggest pro-life challenge is euthanasia. A couple of states have already legalized the practices, and advocates of physician-assisted suicide would like to alter the law so that medical professionals "legally be required to cooperate" with any euthanasia wish.
Vatican releases guidelines to help church fight human trafficking
The Vatican has created a set of pastoral guidelines to inspire and improve the church's work in addressing the crime of human trafficking and the care of its victims worldwide.
With Zimbabwe in turmoil over fuel hikes, archbishop calls for restraint
Three people, including a police officer, died in Jan. 14 protests that followed President Emmerson Mnangagwa's announcement of a more than 150 percent rise in the fuel price.
Britain in ‘amazing political mess’ over Brexit, English bishop says
UPDATED - Bishop Philip Egan prayed for divine guidance after the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the withdrawal agreement struck between Prime Minister Theresa May and the European Union.
Catholics must continue seeking pardon for anti-Judaism, pope says
A few decades of respectful Catholic-Jewish dialogue pale in comparison to "19 centuries of Christian anti-Judaism," Pope Francis said, so Catholics must continue to ask forgiveness and forge new bonds of respect and friendship with the Jewish community.
Pope wants abuse summit to lead to clarity, action
At the upcoming meeting on protecting minors, Pope Francis wants leaders of the world's bishops' conferences to clearly understand what must be done to prevent abuse, care for victims and ensure no case is whitewashed or covered up.