World News
Pope blesses Louisiana anti-trafficking project
When Pope Francis posed for a photo Jan. 18 with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, it was not a protocol-dictated nicety; it was a recognition of the commitment on the part of the pope and of a coalition of state and private agencies in Louisiana to stop human trafficking.
Bishops visiting Holy Land: Christians must oppose Israeli settlements
"This de facto annexation of land not only undermines the rights of Palestinians in areas such as Hebron and East Jerusalem but, as the U.N. recently recognized, also imperils the chance of peace," said bishops who participated in the Holy Land Coordination.
Christian living requires constant battle with devil, pope says
Moving closer to Christ means facing daily struggles against temptation and battling against evil, Pope Francis said.
The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death
A growing number of Catholic cemeteries offer "green burials," but do so emphasizing how the practices and the motivations behind such a choice must coincide with Catholic faith.
Pope: Catholics, Lutherans must continue to seek common ground
Although great strides have been made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Lutherans must continue to work toward becoming a full and visible sign of unity for the world, Pope Francis said.
Vatican policy promotes access to Jerusalem, self-determination for all
The key concern of the Holy See, and of the Catholic Church as a whole, since the Middle Ages has been for the Christian holy sites and Christian communities present in the Holy Land from the time of Jesus. The vast majority of Christians in the region are Palestinians.
Working with Iraqi refugees stretches, strengthens priest’s faith
Father Khalil Jaar said the Iraqi Christians, who escaped the Islamic State invasion for initial sanctuary in Jordan until they find a permanent home, have become like family for him, with some even living on the compound of his parish in Amman, Jordan
Duterte order that Philippines offer free contraceptives may face delays
In June 2015, the court placed a temporary restraining order on the contraceptives provision of a 2012 reproductive health law after a challenge called for certain implant contraceptives to be studied as potentially abortion-inducing.
Prayer brings light of hope in dark times, pope says at audience
"God knows our weakness; he knows that we remember him to ask for help and, with the indulgent smile of a father, he responds graciously," he said.
In Holy Land visit, bishops see problems related to Israeli settlements
Thirteen bishops from North America and Europe visited the Tent of Nations as part of the Holy Land Coordination, which meets every January to focus on prayer, pilgrimage and solidarity with the Christian communities in the Holy Land.