World News
Catholic leaders criticize Duterte’s withdrawal of Philippines from ICC
Philippine Catholics, including a Manila bishop, blasted President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to quit the International Criminal Court, which is probing his war on drugs and alleged extrajudicial killings.
U.S. Maryknoller works to help young Catholic Africans make voices heard
"I am, in a way, responding to Pope Francis' appeal to assist young people in the Catholic faith to realize their spiritual meaning and more" through using online communications, said Father Joseph G. Healey.
Human trafficking called ‘one of darkest, most revolting realities’ today
Mely Lenario quietly described her harrowing journey from ambitious, naive rural girl trafficked to hopeless, drug-fueled urban prostitute, through slow rehabilitation to a new life as an outreach worker.
Kenyan bishops see ‘hand of God’ in government opponents’ gesture
Kenyan Catholic bishops have welcomed the truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, whose election dispute had threatened to trigger widespread chaos in the East African nation.
A monk in Mongolia: The historic journey of Benedict of Poland
Benedict of Poland accompanied a papal diplomat to Mongolia in 1245. Benedict's accounts of his journey give insight into the diplomatic protocols of the Holy See at the time, showing great openness to and respect for other cultures.
Study of the universe ‘an act of worship,’ Vatican astronomer says
He cited Psalm 139, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me," and added: "There are places in the universe we haven't set foot on yet, and maybe we won't," but they are "as much a part of God's creation" as the earth.
Addressing climate change is top priority in Cardinal Ribat’s ministry
People of the southwest Pacific Ocean nation of Papua New Guinea face dual threats from rising sea levels and the advent of undersea mining for valuable metals, the country's first cardinal said during a visit to the nation's capital.
Don’t tax Jerusalem churches, U.S. Christian leaders say in letters
The proposal to levy taxes on some properties would run contrary to the unofficial historical tax-exempt status the churches have enjoyed for centuries.
Despite new law, some Irish pubs will remain closed on Good Friday
The ban on serving alcohol on Good Friday has been in place since 1927. However, in recent years, pub owners have claimed that the prohibition was having a detrimental effect on tourists visiting Ireland for Easter.
Famed German director makes film about Pope Francis
After two years working on a documentary about Pope Francis, the noted German filmmaker Wim Wenders said he is most struck by the pope's courage.