World News

Paraguayan Catholics rejoice for beatification of one of their own

The miraculous healing of Angel Ramon was attributed to the intercession of the venerable Servant of God Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in a March 7 decree announcing her beatification from the Congregation for Saints' Causes.

A family history: Vatican book focuses on Eastern Catholic churches

The story of the Christian family includes tales of how its Eastern and Western branches separated, attempted reconciliation, hurt each other and now are working together for the sake of the children today and in the future.

Catholic priest’s kidnap illustrates problems Congolese church faces

Father Celestin Ngango's abduction brings to six the number of priests kidnapped since 2012 in eastern Congo.

Pope blesses statue of 10th-century Armenian saint in Vatican Gardens

Blessing the bronze statue of St. Gregory of Narek April 5 capped off a series of morning meetings with Armenian political and religious dignitaries, beginning with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Quebec bishops ponder possibility of married priests

During a conference on the future of the Catholic Church in Quebec, Bishop Marc Pelchat said consolidating parishes was not a solution to the lack of priests. Sharing the Good News "will have to be done differently."

Pope prays for parents, toddler who risks losing life-support

Doctors have not been able to make a definitive diagnosis of the 22-month-old child's degenerative neurological condition; he has been on life-support at a children's hospital in Liverpool.

Pope’s exhortation on holiness to be released April 9

"Rejoice and Be Glad," Pope Francis' new apostolic exhortation on "the call to holiness in the modern world," will be released April 9, the Vatican announced.

Mexican diocese apologizes for failing to stop abusive priest

Father Raul Villegas Chavez was sentenced to 90 years in prison -- reduced to 60 years, the maximum penalty in Guanajuato -- after being convicted on charges of rape, sexual exploitation and the corruption of minors.

China official: It’s OK if Vatican doesn’t fully control naming bishops

In a rare move, a top Chinese official answered journalists' questions about a new white paper on religious freedom and the ongoing talks between his government and the Vatican.

Terminally ill mother: Euthanasia push robs ‘friends and family of joy’

As Anna Corry lay dying, she sent out a request to speak publicly about her opposition to euthanasia. The Australian woman died Holy Thursday, March 29, but not before sharing her thoughts on assisted suicide.