World News
New life budding in Iraq but challenges remain, CRS says
While 3 million Iraqis remain internally displaced after suffering through the Islamic State's invasion, a Catholic Relief Services official sees "evidence of shop openings ... but there needs to be more economic activity."
Venezuelan bishops: Jail fire that killed 68 could have been prevented
The bishops said the incident occurred like an "ominous event that could be seen coming, given the series of improvisations and deficiencies ... that reign in the judicial, police and penitentiary system."
Easter hope breaks routine, unleashes creativity, pope says
Truly celebrating Easter means allowing Jesus to triumph over personal fears and give life to hope, creativity and care for others, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Jesus’ church offers truth, comfort despite efforts to discredit it
Leading a prayer to God for the grace to feel ashamed and repentant for so many sins in the world, Pope Francis highlighted the hope that always comes from Jesus.
Jesus does not give up on anyone, pope tells prisoners
Pope Francis celebrated the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at the prison and washed the feet of a dozen inmates.
Pope to priests: Show Jesus’ truth by being close to the people
Jesus "could have been a scribe or a doctor of the law, but he wanted to be an 'evangelizer,' a street preacher," the bearer of good news for his people, the pope said March 29 during the chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
Vatican: Claim that pope denied hell’s existence is unreliable
The Vatican said comments attributed to Pope Francis denying the existence of hell are a product of an Italian journalist's "reconstruction" of the pope's remarks and not a faithful transcript of the pope's real words.
On Easter, Salvadorans bury priest assassinated during Holy Week
Thousands of mourners packed a city square before the funeral of Father Walter Vazquez, 36, who was robbed and shot while headed to church to celebrate Mass on Holy Thursday. Church leaders decried ongoing violence in El Salvador.
Easter shows the power of love, which renews the world, pope says
Speaking without a prepared text in Rome on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis told how God's actions throughout history to save his people have been acts that surprised them, and they rushed to share the news with others.
In Easter message, Pope appeals for peace, prays for Syria, Gaza
Pope Francis prayed Easter would bring "fruits of reconciliation," hope, dialogue, peace, consolation, new life and wisdom to the world's trouble spots as well as to the current migration and refugee crisis.