World News
Pope offers Neocatechumenal Way lessons for respectful evangelization
Some 100,000 members from more than 130 countries gathered in a field on the edge of Rome May 5 to welcome Pope Francis and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movement.
Poverty, patience, prayer key to strong religious life, pope says
"One cannot discern what is happening without talking with the Lord," Pope Francis told 700 consecrated men and women. It is impossible for them to understand the world without a "spirit of poverty," which is non-negotiable.
Congo: Rich country, poor people — and poorer priests
A Catholic bishop from the Republic of Congo lamented that persistent corruption and poverty have left many priests hungry and sick while the country's wealth remains dominated by a "handful of the rich and powerful."
Pope asks Germans to find unanimity on Communion question
Six German bishops who had dissented from proposed national guidelines allowing a Protestant married to a Catholic to receive the Eucharist. They met with Vatican officials to discuss the implications of adopting the norms.
Central African cardinal warns against revenge after church attack
A cardinal in the Central African Republic warned against revenge after a priest and at least 24 lay Catholics were killed during a gun and grenade attack on a Mass in the country's capital.
Philippine cardinal urges daily bell tolling to call attention to murders
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said the tolling of the bells will "haunt the perpetrators of violence and killing to remember their victims, never to forget them."
Swiss cardinal skips Mass to avoid priest accused of Nazi sympathies
Father Michael Polster, 30, was one of two seminarians expelled from a Bavarian seminary in 2013 due to alleged Nazi inclinations, racist remarks, and concentration camp jokes.
Vatican issues instruction on improving canon law studies
The changes in canon law Pope Francis made to ensure that marriage annulment cases were handled more quickly, more pastorally and with less expense mean that some changes should be made in the way church law is taught.
Romero Trust chair says he sees archbishop’s influence on Pope Francis
Julian Filochowski said he could perceive the influence of the martyred archbishop of San Salvador in the work of Pope Francis, particularly in his care for the poor.
Pass on faith through deeds, not words, pope says
Christians must pass on the faith by giving witness through their example and not by persuading others to choose sides, Pope Francis said.