World News
Retired pope celebrates 91st birthday
Retired Pope Benedict XVI had a "peaceful and familial" 91st birthday April 16, celebrating with his 94-year-old brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger.
Catholic leaders: Winnie Mandela was a friend to South Africa’s poor
Often called the "Mother of the Nation" and "Mama Winnie," the ex-wife of the late South African President Nelson Mandela "mothered everybody," said Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp.
African, European bishops: Globalization demands vigilance from church
While globalization at its best can enable the sharing of spiritual and material riches, it also can lead to huge destruction, the bishops of Europe and Africa said after a four-day meeting in Fatima, Portugal.
Pope, Christian leaders condemn use of violence against Syria
Sharply criticizing a failure to find nonviolent means of bringing peace to Syria and other parts of the world, Pope Francis appealed to world leaders to work for justice and peace.
Pope joins meeting to prepare synod for the Amazon
Meeting in Rome April 12-13, the presynod council worked with Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, to finalize the preparatory document and related questionnaire for the special assembly next year.
Respect life of severely ill patients like Alfie Evans, pope says
Highlighting the plight of a seriously ill toddler in Great Britain and a severely brain-damaged man in France, Pope Francis called for greater respect for every patient's life and dignity.
‘Is my dad in heaven?’ little boy asks pope
After circling a massive, crumbling public housing complex on the outskirts of Rome, Pope Francis had an emotional encounter with the neighborhood's children.
Vietnamese court jails Catholic activist for subversion
A report in a state-run newspaper said the People's Court in Ha Tinh province sentenced Teresa Tran Thi Xuan to nine years in prison April 12 for "attempting to overthrow the people's government."
Kenyan bishops urge compensation for victims of postelection violence
Catholic bishops in Kenya have called for compensation for loss of property, injuries, and deaths during the latest postelection violence, which killed scores of people, divided the nation and shattered the country's economy.
London council sets up buffer zone around abortion clinic
The decision means Britain will become the second Western democracy to ban pro-life activities in the vicinity of abortion clinics.