World News
Irish president signs abortion law
In a May referendum, voters opted by a margin of 2-1 to lift the country's constitutional protection of the right to life of unborn children. The new law will permit abortion on demand up to 12 weeks' gestation.
In Christmas message, pope prays for peace, brotherhood
Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace.
Pope at Christmas: Come to the manger with love, charity, simplicity
Jesus' birth in a stable, God's coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.
Being holy is what brings joy, pope tells Vatican employees
One sign of holiness is being able to "be astonished, to feel wonder before God's gifts, his 'surprises.' And the greatest gift, the ever-new surprise is Jesus," he told Vatican employees and their family members.
Top officials of Vatican press office resign
After just over two years in their roles, Greg Burke and Paloma Garcia Ovejero have stepped down, saying that "it's best the Holy Father is completely free to assemble a new team."
Christians working with Syrians: U.S. withdrawal puts minorities at risk
A growing chorus of Christian voices is calling on President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to pull some 2,000 American troops from Syria. The move could force Christians to flee their homes again.
‘Everything changes’ with Christ’s birth, pope says
The Annunciation -- the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear God's son -- was such a tremendous, history-changing event that preaching about it is extremely difficult, Pope Francis said.
Vietnam, Vatican agree to upgrade diplomatic relations in near future
The two official delegations met in Hanoi Dec. 19 for the seventh meeting of the Vietnam-Holy See joint working group, which is trying to pave the way for full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the communist government.
Warm city, warm hearts: Panama opens its doors to young people
As World Youth Day in Panama draws near, organizers said they are prepared to make young people from around the globe feel right at home.
Christian, Muslim leaders join Jordan’s king for Christmas celebration
As sectarian strife engulfs neighboring Mideast countries, Jordan’s King Abdullah II invited Catholics, other Christians and Muslims to celebrate Christmas in the spirit of harmony the holiday symbolizes.