World News
Pope advances sainthood cause of mother of three
Although undergoing surgery to remove cancer, Maria Cristina Cella Mocellin opted to not receive chemotherapy in order to not risk the life of her child, Riccardo, who was born in 1994. She died one year later at age 26.
Not all ‘eventualities’ considered in Afghanistan withdrawal, pope says
In a radio interview, Pope Francis invited everyone "to intensify your prayer and practice fasting" for Afghanistan in the wake of increased violence in the country, "asking the Lord for mercy and forgiveness."
Post-quake Haiti: Funerals and a daily quest for food, water, shelter
Two weeks after the Aug. 14 disaster that killed at least 2,200 and injured more than 12,200, Catholic agencies are working diligently to help heal and rebuild the troubled Caribbean nation.
Afghanistan: Pope launches appeal for fasting, prayers for God’s mercy
As violence escalates in the Middle East nation, Pope Francis called on all Christians to unite their intercession, saying "in historic moments like this one, we cannot remain indifferent."
Protect human dignity from high-tech threats, pope tells Catholic lawmakers
Technology and the problems of child pornography, cyber attacks and fake news cannot be left "to market forces alone without suitable guidelines" provided by public authorities "guided by a sense of social responsibility."
Diaspora and disease: Pope will face pressing issues on next trip abroad
Pope Francis' upcoming trip to Hungary and Slovakia could prove to be among his most challenging. Those attending events "will have to be vaccinated, which is unacceptable to many," said a Jesuit priest.
Vatican suppresses Italy-based community founded by married couple
A four-year study of the Regina Pacis Community found "institutional weaknesses, especially in governance" as well as difficulties in relations between members.
Pakistan province demolishes Catholic church, despite protests
A church serving more than 300 Christian families in Pakistan's commercial capital of Karachi was demolished Aug. 24, along with thousands of homes, to mitigate flooding of nearby streams.
Pope invites people to rediscover importance of Sunday liturgy
Pope Francis is encouraging new courses of action for parishes to help people understand the importance of Sunday Mass, a top Vatican official wrote, adding that in Italy the pandemic's restrictions on Masses were "an alarming indication of the advanced stage of an epochal change."
Pope accepts resignation of outspoken Spanish bishop
Bishop Xavier Novell Gomà, 52 and one of Spain's youngest bishops, offered his resignation and Pope Francis accepted. The bishop had backed independence for Spain's Catalan region, in opposition to a key Spanish cardinal.