World News
Pulled from the sea, migrant’s rescue puts spotlight on Italian policy
Josefa, a migrant from Cameroon, was pulled from the Mediterranean July 17 by rescuers from the Spanish organization Proactiva Open Arms.
Spanish church leaders criticize government plans on religion in schools
The government said school religion would be replaced by a compulsory course on "civil and ethical values," and state subsidies would be withdrawn from Spain's mostly Catholic private schools.
Shroud of Turin expert criticizes new study casting doubt on authenticity
The church has never officially ruled on the shroud's authenticity, saying judgments about its age and origin belonged to scientific investigation. Scientists have debated its authenticity for decades, and studies have led to conflicting results.
Dark to light: Buried under scaffolding, Holy Stairs set for resurrection
With the central staircase restoration planned to be completed by the end of the year and the front atrium at the end of 2019, it will have taken 11 modern-day restorers nearly two decades to resurrect what 40 artists created in less than two years in the 16th-century.
‘Prosperity gospel’ props up policies lacking compassion, journal says
The "prosperity gospel" that President Trump and many of his advisers and followers seem to espouse does not promote solidarity for the common good, but sees God as giving his blessings to the rich and punishing the poor, said the article in La Civilta Cattolica.
Central African bishops put distance to group promising violence
A group promising to defend the church and avenge the recent deaths of priests alleges inaction by a cardinal, but the republic's bishops urged "respect of the memory" of those killed following Christ.
In India, Missionaries of Charity head condemns child trafficking
Facing child trafficking allegations at one of its homes for unmarried mothers in India, the superior of the Missionaries of Charity said said the actions of individuals involved are unrelated to the order.
Nicaraguan bishops to pray for exorcism as violence continues
UPDATED - As attacks on Catholic clergy continue and anti-government protesters are besieged by Nicaraguan police and paramilitaries, the bishops said they would pray an exorcism prayer.
Provincial says Carmelite nuns in Aleppo live in ‘heroic situation’
Amid the destruction in war-torn Syria, a community of Discalced Carmelites in Aleppo perseveres in its mission of continuous prayer and help to families in need.
Learn from the past before looking to future, pope tells young people
The future cannot be understood without reflecting on the past and on the history and traditions passed on to young people from parents and grandparents, Pope Francis said.