World News
Missionaries of Charity nun in India charged with child trafficking
The nun, identified only as Concilia, was detained for questioning July 4 following complaints that babies had been sold to childless couples.
Pope Francis advances sainthood causes of young teens
Pope Francis issued decrees advancing the sainthood causes of four candidates, including two young teenagers who heroically lived the Christian virtues.
State of Earth tomorrow depends on action today, pope tells activists
Pope Francis called on governments to show "honesty and courage" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and financial institutions to create sustainable development. "We cannot afford to waste time," he said.
‘Sterile hypocrisy’ behind mistreatment of migrants, pope says
Hearts that are closed to welcoming migrants and refugees are similar to those of the Pharisees, who often would preach sacrifice and following God's law without exercising mercy to those in need, Pope Francis said.
French cardinal leading Vatican’s interreligious efforts dies in U.S.
French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, an experienced diplomat and head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, died at the age of 75 in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Vatican releases schedule of pope’s trip to Baltic nations
Twenty-five years after St. John Paul II visited Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, Pope Francis will make the same three-nation visit Sept. 22-25, stopping at a number of the same places as his saint-predecessor.
Vatican issues new document on vocation of consecrated virgins
Consecrated by her local bishop, a member of the order of virgins makes a promise of perpetual virginity, prayer and service to the church while living independently in society.
English bishop cautions Catholics on care in state-funded hospitals
Bishop Philip Egan issued a "pastoral message" to clergy and laity after the publication of a report, which concluded that 650 people died in a hospital after they were given large doses of painkillers without medical justification.
Pope names lay Italian journalist to head Vatican communications
Paolo Ruffini, 61, was named prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication July 5, making him the first layperson to head such a high-level Vatican department. He brings decades of experience in print and broadcast journlism.
Church leaders pledge to support, cooperate with new Mexican president
The Mexican bishops conference extended congratulations to presidential election winner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who won a landslide victory on an agenda of change and promises to combat corruption and poverty.