World News
Never forget early martyrs, pope tells Japanese bishops
Many challenges in Japan make the church's evangelizing call to be the "salt and light" of hope and meaning even more urgent than ever, Pope Francis told the country's bishops.
Governing requires prayer, wisdom, counsel, pope says
Those who govern or are in positions of authority are called to be humble and serve the good of the people God entrusts to them rather than the interests of their party or themselves, Pope Francis said.
Pope, Bolivian bishops discuss rise of ‘parallel’ churches
Pope Francis urged the bishops of Bolivia to faithfully guide their flocks as breakaway groups comprised of former priests and seminarians are gaining ground in the country. Such groups exist in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.
Rome’s interreligious half-marathon draws 2,000 and a papal blessing
Some 2,000 people took part in the 13-mile run and almost 4,000 people signed up for the 5k sponsored by the Vatican, including members of the Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Bahai communities.
Guatemalan bishops condemn congress’ attempt at imposing impunity
The Guatemalan bishops' conference has condemned the country's congress for gutting campaign finance laws at a time when accusations of corruption and electoral irregularities are implicating the president and others in the political class.
Myanmar charges against aid groups leave displaced Rohingya without food
Local contractors who refused to carry food for aid in conflict-torn Rakhine state are concerned about retaliation by Buddhist hardliners following government accusations that World Food Program energy biscuits were found in Rohingya militant camps.
London cardinal calls Tube incident ‘another cowardly attack’
The device detonated Sept. 15 on a London Underground train but failed to explode as intended. It nevertheless shot a "wall of fire" through carriages, injuring passengers, including a 10-year-old boy. No one was killed.
Mary was a ‘courageous woman’ up to the end, pope says
Mary was a courageous woman who stood by Jesus even when the crowds turned against him and even though she knew he would face a tragic death, Pope Francis said.
Circus performers have a ‘joyful’ vocation, pope says
Meeting with an association of traveling circus and street performers, carnival workers, musicians and magicians, Pope Francis thanked the artists for their dedication in bringing joy to men, women and children.
Local responsibility, not disunity: Pope moves toward decentralization
Pope Francis talks about the need for a "healthy decentralization" in the Catholic Church, but how that should look and work has been a topic of debate since the Second Vatican Council.