World News

World needs you to be courageous, pope tells Canadian youths

The courage and joyful witness of young men and women in the church are needed to help their fellow youths to look toward the future with hope, Pope Francis said.

Being Christian means being missionary, pope says

Catholics must make a real effort to share the Gospel with all people, fighting "the recurring temptation" that leads some to focus only on internal church matters or to be pessimistic about evangelization efforts, Pope Francis wrote.

‘Civilize the market’ for common good, care of creation, pope says

The pontiff called for a reexamination of global development practices, stressing that progress should benefit both society and the environment.

App developed by Phila. nun teaches how to pray in sign language

A lack of prayer resources for the deaf inspired Sister Kathleen Schipani, I.H.M., to develop an innovative catechetical tool. The archdiocesan official is attending a Vatican conference on how to best catechize persons living with disabilities.

Breaking unwritten rule, Quebec municipal candidates talk about faith

Although most candidates for election avoid talking about their faith and involvement in politics, some candidates say their faith does play a role in their desire to serve their community.

Priests lead campaign against mining in rural areas of Colombia

Priests and church groups are turning their attention to issues like deforestation, the pollution of water sources and the struggle between large mining projects and farming communities that want to preserve their traditional lifestyle.

Pope’s pro-life challenge: Respect all life, oppose death penalty

Pope Francis' recent statement that the death penalty is incompatible with the Gospel is viewed by some as a development of doctrine and by others as a departure from church teaching.

Pope: Common witness of faith can strengthen Catholics, Methodists

The pope met at the Vatican with members of the World Methodist Council who were in Rome to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Joint International Methodist-Catholic Dialogue Commission.

Pope: If world insists on success, then make life more just, humane

The pope spoke Oct. 19 at the Vatican to a group of students from a private Catholic school, "Institution des Chartreux," in Lyon, France. They are preparing for higher education in business and finance.

Irish folklife expert says Halloween traditions began in Ireland

The Museum of Country Life in County Mayo has two examples of Halloween lanterns as part of its exhibition on Irish customs and traditions associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the predecessor of the modern Halloween holiday.