World News
In Greece, Pope expresses concern for democracy’s decline in Europe
"Here democracy was born," Pope Francis told Greek officials. "Yet we cannot avoid noting with concern how today -- and not only in Europe -- we are witnessing a retreat from democracy" to authoritarianism and populism's "easy answers."
Hong Kong’s new Catholic bishop promises bridge building
At his installation Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan, 62, wanted to heal the rift among Catholics and between Christian denominations, the Chinese government and society after two years of pro-democracy protests.
Pope tells Greek young people to dream big, trust God’s love
During his visit to suburban Athens Dec. 6, Pope Francis gave a detailed response to teenagers' and young adults' concerns and questions, saying that their unique experiences also reflected something many other young people have in common.
Pope asks pardon for sins that drove Catholic, Orthodox apart
Like St. John Paul II before him, Pope Francis apologized to members of the Orthodox Church of Greece for the ways Catholics had offended them, and called for unity. "How can we testify before the world to the harmony of the Gospel, if we Christians remain separated?"
Pope tells reporters Paris archbishop was hounded out by gossip
Pope Francis told reporters he accepted the resignation of Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris because, while acknowledging "a failure" in his relationship with a woman, the archbishop's reputation had been destroyed publicly.
Kenyan diocese mourns deaths after bus plunges into swollen river
At least 32 people were killed when an overcrowded bus carrying a Catholic choir plunged into the Enziu River. The choir had sung for a renewal of vows for an elderly couple. One family lost 11 members. At least 30 people were rescued.
Vatican announces pope will bring migrants from Cyprus to Italy
After denouncing barbed-wire barriers and boat pushbacks to keep out migrants, Pope Francis has pledged to move a dozen migrants from Cyprus to Italy before Christmas.
Head of the Philadelphia’s Ukrainian Catholics named to Vatican panel
Pope Francis named five new members to the Vatican Dicastery for Communication for a five-year term, including Archbishop Borys Gudziak, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
Meeting Cypriot leaders, pope urges dialogue for peace, care for migrants
On his visit to Cyprus, Pope Francis urged citizens to remember their history as a crossroads of different cultures. Cyprus has received more asylum-seekers per capita than any European country, plus hundreds of foreign workers.
Chilean lawmakers keep criminal sanctions for most abortions
Lawmakers in Chile's lower house of congress narrowly defeated a bill that would have broadened access to abortion by removing criminal penalties for the procedure during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.