World News
Don’t be afraid to ask for things from God in prayer, pope says
No one should be afraid to turn to God with prayer, especially in times of great doubt, suffering and need, Pope Francis said.
U.S. returns church bells to Philippines after more than 100 years
After more than a century, the United States government has returned three church bells swiped by American forces as war booty from the central Philippine town of Balangiga.
West Bank residents work to ensure tourists spend time with locals
Private residents and the three municipalities are starting initiatives to entice visitors to stop, stroll through the towns, eat a local baklava sweet or take a city tour, much like they would in any other city they visit.
Vatican official: With migration, cooperation is better than isolationism
The Vatican praised the adoption by more than 160 nations of a key agreement on global migration, saying today's migration challenges are better tackled together than with "isolationist" stances.
Catholic groups push for strong climate deal at U.N. summit in Poland
Catholic representatives worked to keep negotiations on track for a comprehensive deal to address global warming as the U.N. climate change conference entered its second and final week in Katowice, Poland.
Kenyan priest killed as he takes Mass collection funds to the bank
Father John Njoroge Muhia of Kinoo Parish in Kiambu, part of the Nairobi Archdiocese, was accosted by four robbers on motorcycles. They obstructed the priest's car on a rough road, forced him to stop and demanded the bag that he had in his car.
Everyone must respect the basic human rights of all human beings, pope says
The fundamental rights of all human beings, especially the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected in every situation, Pope Francis said, marking Human Rights Day, Dec.10.
Christian, Muslim young people spread pre-Christmas cheer in Beirut
On a gloomy, rainy Saturday morning in Beirut, 92-year-old Julia enthusiastically greeted her visitors, Christian and Muslim youth, who had come to set up a Christmas tree in her modest apartment.
Vatican publishes pope’s Christmas schedule
Pope Francis has a full schedule of Christmastime liturgies planned for December and January, including the customary baptism of newborn babies Jan. 13, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Pope: Prepare for Christ’s birth by recognizing mistakes, sowing peace
Advent is a time for people to think about what they can change about themselves so that they can sow the seeds of peace, justice and fraternity in their daily lives, Pope Francis said.