World News
In visit to Kurdistan, U.S. bishop hears priorities of Iraqi Christians
After meeting with church leaders in northern Iraq, a U.S. bishop said he will advocate differently for Iraqi religious minorities.
As elections approach in Somalia, bishop sees signs of hope
Bishop Giorgio Bertin, the apostolic administrator of Mogadishu, said one symbol of that hope is the recent rebuilding and re-consecration of the parish church in Hargeisa, Somalia's second-largest city.
Pope names Boston cardinal, others to Vatican congregations
Pope Francis named Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, who is president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to be a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Christian witness requires action, pope says during parish visit
Being a real Christian does not mean being a saint, but giving witness to Jesus in word and, especially, deed, Pope Francis told members of a parish on the eastern edge of Rome.
Vatican backs papal commission investigating Order of Malta
The Vatican also rejected "any attempt to discredit these members of the group," led by Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, former Vatican representative to U.N. agencies in Geneva.
New embassy a sign of pope’s love for Palestine, Abbas says
Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed the contribution of Catholics in Palestine, and of protection of holy sites “for believers of all three of the Abrahamic religions.”
U.S. doctors, nurses treat Syrian refugees for free in Jordan
Badly needed surgeries and other medical treatments are given free of charge to thousands of Syrians who have fled their country's six-year war. While technology is key to treatment, so too is "prayer to the healing process."
Bishops of Malta issue norms for ministry to divorced, civilly remarried
Under certain circumstances, after long prayer and with "an informed and enlightened conscience," some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics may return to the sacraments, said the bishops of Malta.
Catholic priest found dead in northern Mexico
The body of Father Joaquin Hernandez Sifuentes, 42, was discovered Jan. 11 in Parras de la Fuente, approximately 90 miles west of his working-class parish in Saltillo.
Next synod needs young people’s voices, pope says
Preparations have begun for the 2018 Synod of Bishops focused on youth, and Pope Francis wants young people to tell him, their bishops and pastors about their hopes, struggles and even their criticisms. Archbishop Chaput welcomed their input.