World News
International group of women’s superiors urge sisters to report abuse
The International Union of Superiors General has called on women religious who have suffered abuse to come forward and report it to their congregations and church and state authorities.
Generating taxes from gambling is unethical, Vatican office says
Legalizing gambling fuels addictions, creating more and more compulsive gamblers, and using the industry as a source of tax revenue is unethical, said a major Vatican office.
New report says Islamic extremism spreading with defeat of IS in Mideast
Islamist extremists have increased violence in Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia corresponding to their loss of territory in the Middle East, said a report from Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity helping persecuted Christians.
Pope names organizing committee for abuse conference in February
Pope Francis named U.S. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago to be part of the organizing committee preparing for a meeting of the world's bishops' conferences and representatives of religious orders to address the abuse and protection of minors.
Clericalism is ugly perversion, pope tells seminarians
Priests must always keep in mind that their mission is to serve others and not claim superiority over the people entrusted to their care, Pope Francis said.
Kingdom based on love, not power, brings true peace, pope says
Jesus showed his authority as king not through the power of weaponry, violence or deceit but by the power of his love for the world through his death on the cross, Pope Francis said.
Vatican, World Youth Day officials release pope’s Panama itinerary
The pope's visit to Panama Jan. 23-27 will be his 26th trip outside of Italy. During his visit, he will deliver seven speeches and celebrate two Masses as well as a penitential liturgy.
Church, world need cloistered nuns’ guiding lights of prayer, pope says
Pope Francis asked people to give thanks to God for the gift of so many men and women living a cloistered life of total dedication to prayer.
Helping others can change the world, pope tells young people
In a video message to young men and women around the world, Pope Francis called on them to provoke an uprising of change by serving others.
People must confront their evil desires, beg God for mercy, pope says
"Blessed are those who stop fooling themselves, believing they are able to save themselves from their weakness without God's mercy," which is the only thing that can heal a troubled heart, Pope Francis said.