World News
God does not lead us into temptation, Satan does, pope says
The Italian bishops' television channel, TV2000, has been broadcasting a series of conversations between the pope and a Catholic prison chaplain looking at the Lord's Prayer line by line.
Vatican renews call for peace, negotiated solution on Jerusalem
Following days of violence and backlash after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Vatican appealed for "wisdom and prudence" to prevail.
Polish church spokesman dismisses EU threat over abortion legislation
The European Parliament said it would demand EU action if legislators went ahead with new restrictions, which were backed by 830,000 Poles in a petition introduced Nov. 30 before the Sejm, the Polish parliament's lower house.
Protests cause uncertainty in Bethlehem, but for now, pilgrims visit
Palestinians leaders called for three days of protests following U.S. President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and demonstrations have broken out in the West Bank, Jordan and other parts of the Muslim world.
Australian archbishop urges youth to be spiritual flamethrowers
Young Catholics must set the world on fire with their faith, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told about 20,000 young people gathered in a former Olympic Stadium.
Nativity scene, Christmas tree are visible signs of God’s compassion
The traditional Christmas displays are "the signs of the heavenly Father's compassion, of his participation and closeness to humanity who experience not being abandoned in dark times, but instead visited and accompanied in their difficulties," the pope said.
Year in review: In Rome and abroad, pope urges unity, care for poor
Pope Francis spent much of 2017 preaching and teaching about the need to value differences rather than fear them, and he adopted legislation that would allow more room for diversity within the Catholic Church.
Sweden’s Catholic minority shows church can thrive in secular society
Even though it is one of the most secularized nations in the world, Sweden is one of the few countries in Europe where the Catholic Church is growing, said the country's first cardinal.
Indian bishop criticizes call for execution of people who butcher cattle
Bishop Vincent Barwa said demands for capital punishment for cow slaughter targeted Christians, Muslims, Dalits and indigenous groups who had no religious prohibition on the eating of beef.
Austrian cardinal criticizes court ruling on same-sex marriage
The court ruled Dec. 5 that Austria's current marriage law violated nondiscrimination rules by barring same-sex unions and forcing couples to declare their sexual orientation. It opened the way for same-sex marriage to become legal in 2019.