World News
After warm welcome to Slovakia, pope encourages Christian leaders to unite
After his arrival in Bratislava, Pope Francis met with ecumenical leaders and reflected on freedom "after years of atheistic persecution." He warned them against "the temptation to return to bondage, not that of a regime, but one even worse: an interior bondage."
Mexican Supreme Court invalidates second state law against abortion
The court ruled unanimously in two cases to invalidate part of a state constitution protecting the right to life plus a state law that had imposed prison terms for women terminating pregnancies. Observers expect the decisions to lead to decriminalization across Mexico.
‘Runaway train’: Doctors warn U.K. politicians against Assisted Dying Bill
As Great Britain debates legalizing assisted suicide, one American doctor said "the failures are brutal" and "safeguards are not being followed" where the practice is legal, in Oregon. Similar warnings came from physicians in Canada and Belgium.
Make brave choice to lead simpler, eco-friendly life, pope says
In a new video, Pope Francis prayed that people would change the way they eat, travel and use resources for an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, "taking inspiration from our young people who are resolutely committed to this."
Pope plans to visit climate change conference in Glasgow
Pope Francis will travel to the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Scotland in November, and to host about three dozen religious leaders from around the world at a meeting at the Vatican and in Rome Oct. 4 in preparation for COP26.
Remains of Korea’s first Catholic martyrs recovered
Historical research and DNA tests have confirmed the discovery of the mortal remains of the first three Korean Catholic martyrs more than two centuries after their deaths, a South Korean diocese reported.
Pope: Euthanasia legislation in Europe is sign of ‘throwaway culture’
Increasing calls to legalize euthanasia in several European countries, as well as the disregard for vulnerable people and the unborn, collectively are "one of the tragedies of today's European culture," Pope Francis said in an extensive radio interview.
Pope discusses his health, the Latin Mass, democracy in radio interview
Pope Francis put to rest rumors of his resignation, explained the intent of his recent norms for the Mass and agreed with a view that efforts to build democracy abroad must consider "historic, ethnic and religious issues" without "ignoring other people's traditions."
Pope addresses Vatican reforms aimed at curbing corruption, abuse
Pope Francis said in a radio interview that he authorized an investigation into the Vatican's failed property deal in London as a sign that he was "not afraid of transparency or the truth." He is reviewing a new constitution reforming the Curia.
Religious minorities, women fear Afghanistan’s Taliban, other extremists
The 20-year American military presence in Afghanistan had hoped to bring stability and an end to its use as a terrorist sanctuary, but the tumultuous exit has laid open fears for the future, especially of the most vulnerable "because of their beliefs."