World News
India’s Cardinal Gracias concerned over threats to diversity
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, newly elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, expressed "anguish" over increasing threats to pluralism in the country.
Cardinal Cupich: Pope’s view of faith calls for changing underlying ideas
"'Amoris' is nothing short of the Holy Father's call to action, in which he summons church leaders, both lay and clergy, to enter into a serious dialogue about how best to minister to couples and families in a way that is faithful, honest and creative," the cardinal said.
People must see ways they tolerate human trafficking, pope says
Pope Francis met with an international group of law enforcement and church workers studying how communities encourage trafficking, particularly prostitution. A British cardinal said 42 million people are in slavery today.
Some Chinese Catholics see restrictions as new religion rules take effect
Since China's new regulations for religious affairs took effect Feb. 1, minors have been banned from entering places of worship in several regions.
British lawyer says no buffer zones needed around abortion clinics
A prominent Catholic lawyer has expressed concern that local governments are considering exclusion zones around abortion clinics, with no proof anyone is harassing pregnant women.
Superpope to the rescue: T-shirt raises money for papal charity
Though not as fast as a speeding bullet, "Superpope" will fly across the world, gathering autographs of sports stars and eventually being auctioned off to raise money for the pope's charity.
Pope sends condolences to Taiwan after earthquakes
Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the people of Taiwan after two high-magnitude earthquakes devastated the island nation Feb. 6 and 7, killing at least nine people and injuring hundreds more.
South Sudan bishop wins Roosevelt freedom award for his peace village
In May Bishop Paride Taban, retired bishop of Torit, South Sudan, will receive the Freedom of Worship Award, one of the Four Freedoms Awards presented every other year by the Roosevelt Foundation in Middelburg, Netherlands.
German cardinal urges pastoral care, but not ‘blessing’ of gay couples
The president of the German bishops' conference urged priests to provide better pastoral care to Catholics who are homosexual, but he said, "I think that would not be right" when asked if he could imagine the Catholic Church blessing gay couples.
Two ex-managers of Vatican bank ordered to pay damages for mismanagement
The sentence did not specify the amount it is seeking in damages, but the Italian news agency ANSA said the damages the bank incurred totaled about 47 million euro (about $58 million).