World News
Faith is lived with joyous gratitude, not slavelike duty, pope says
God always loves and generously gives first before asking for fidelity to his commandments -- which are the words of a loving father showing people the right way to live, Pope Francis said.
New papal appointments reflect pope’s wish for transparency
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nunzio Galantino as president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, which handles the Vatican's investment portfolio and real estate holdings and serves as the Vatican employment office and procurement agency.
Pope says torture is a mortal sin; Vatican urges help for drug abusers
On International Day Against Drug Abuse, a top Vatican cardinal said support is critical for those who are fragile and vulnerable, like those who are abusing drugs. The U.N. estimates 250 million people used drugs in 2015.
German Catholic-Lutheran couple say some in mixed marriages feel rebuffed
The Heineckes' beliefs about why they should share Communion are shared by many interchurch couples in Germany.
Canadian bishops say marijuana use may soon be legal but remains sinful
With the exception of cannabis use for medicinal purposes, consuming marijuana violates the virtue of temperance and should be avoided, said Msgr. Frank Leo, general secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Pope appoints apostolic administrator for Syro-Malabar major archdiocese
Pope Francis has appointed an apostolic administrator for Cardinal George Alencherry's archdiocese amid infighting and financial controversies.
Religions, governments must work for religious freedom, speakers say
Promoting and protecting religious freedom is a shared priority of the United States and the Vatican, said Callista Gingrich, U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.
Some Philippine bishops react after Duterte calls God ‘stupid’
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been at odds with church leaders who criticized his administration's policies, questioned the Christian concept of "original sin."
Pope Francis: Support life at all stages, avoid ‘dirty work of death’
Behind the indifference toward human life lies a contagious illness that blinds people to the lives, challenges and struggles of others, Pope Francis said.
Ex-Vatican diplomat found guilty of distributing child porn
Judge Giuseppe Della Torre, head of the tribunal of the Vatican City State, delivered the verdict June 23, and sentenced Msgr. Carlo Alberto Capella to five years in prison and fined him 5,000 euro ($5,833).