World News
Catholic groups worry world leaders all talk, no action at COP27
Catholic groups at the U.N. climate conference said they were disappointed that, in the meeting's opening days, few world leaders demonstrated progress in implementing their climate commitments or financial support for countries bearing the brunt of climate change.
Peace requires ‘gentle power of dialogue,’ pope says at audience
Reflecting on his recent visit to Bahrain during his weekly general audience Nov. 9, the pope said, "I sensed this need in Bahrain and I hoped that religious and civil leaders throughout the world might be able to look beyond their own borders, their own communities, to care for the whole."
Pope blesses ‘begging statue’ that will help Vincentians build homes
The "13 Houses Campaign" is an homage to St. Vincent de Paul and his decision in 1643 to use an endowment from French King Louis XIII to build 13 small houses near the Vincentian headquarters in Paris to care for abandoned children.
Russian ambassador confirms pope helped facilitate prisoner exchanges
Russia's ambassador to the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis helped facilitate recent prisoner exchanges with Ukraine and said the Vatican is ready to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
Cardinal tells leaders at COP27 they have duty to act on climate change
The Vatican secretary of state led the Holy See's official delegation to COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh Nov. 6–18.
Ukrainian archbishop tells pope Russia wants to destroy, not negotiate
Ukrainian Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych met Pope Francis Nov. 7 at the Vatican, the first time the two have met in person since Russia started the war in late February.
Despair over declining numbers shows lack of faith, pope tells religious
Aging or declining membership should prompt members of religious orders to ask, "What do we do?" but not to despair, Pope Francis said.
Pope tells young people: Skip Google, search God first for advice
Everyone needs help to mature and to grow as a person of faith, Pope Francis told young people in Bahrain, so reach out to someone a bit older and wiser and don't forget to pray.
Irish priest’s comments about transgenderism, gays result in suspension
Bishop Ray Browne of Kerry said an Oct. 30 homily by retired Father Seán Sheehy caused "deep upset and hurt."
Pope arrives in Bahrain, promoting peace through dialogue
Arriving Nov. 3 for a four-day visit in the Gulf nation, Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to visit the archipelago nation in the Persian Gulf, where he hopes to promote interreligious dialogue.