World News
Church leaders praise Hawking for contribution to science, dialogue
Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who said he did not believe in God, was still an esteemed member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and fostered a fruitful dialogue between science and faith.
In silence, people find God, Vatican worship official tells audience
One of the Catholic Church's most outspoken leaders urged a rapt audience in St. Michael's Cathedral to embrace silence and be alert to the danger of filling their days with constant news and distraction.
Extremists demolish wall of Catholic hospital in central India
Suspected Hindu extremists demolished the wall of a Catholic mission hospital and manhandled staff, including nuns, in the latest incident in Madhya Pradesh state, considered a hotbed of anti-Christian violence in central India.
New law allows Israel to revoke residency of East Jerusalem Palestinians
Unlike Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza, East Jerusalem Palestinian residents -- who were born in Jerusalem -- are subject to Israeli law, although they have only permanent residence status in Jerusalem and do not have Israeli citizenship.
Vatican official urges support for Mideast Christians on Good Friday
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, urged Catholics around the world to give to the annual collection for the Holy Land on Good Friday or on the date established by their local bishops' conference.
Central African bishop accuses U.N. forces of rape, abuse
"Women are selling their bodies to the Blue Helmets out of desperation," said Bishop Juan Aguirre Munoz of Bangassou.
Archbishop Chaput reflects on Pope Francis’ milestone
In a statement March 13, the archbishop recalled the pope's visit to Philadelphia in 2015 and the "special bond with the local church," and his challenge to "bear witness to Christ through concrete action."
U.K. cardinal to Catholic school teachers: Don’t embrace gender ideology
Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster suggested that children would find their "greatest joy" by accepting their biological sex rather than selecting a gender of their choice.
Retired pope says criticism against Pope Francis is ‘foolish prejudice’
UPDATED - On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the church's teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the pope's theological foundations.
Inside CatholicPhilly.com – Pope Francis at Five
In this edition of Inside CatholicPhilly.com, editor Matt Gambino and producer Gina Christian discuss the leadership of Pope Francis, now celebrating his fifth year as the shepherd of the Catholic Church.