World News
Terminally ill Army sergeant, who used military grit to meet pope, dies
Despite the fatigue that came from radiation treatments, chemotherapy and surgery, Tobin was able to climb atop a plastic chair to wave hard and high above the crowds during Pope Francis' general audience May 11. Her enthusiasm caught the guards' attention and they let her pass the barricades to meet the pope and receive his blessing and embrace.
Reform is more than just a face-lift, pope tells Curia
Meeting with cardinals and the heads of Vatican offices for his annual Christmas greeting, the pope warned that "it is not wrinkles the church should fear" but rather the stains that impede its growth and relevance in the world.
In multicultural Lebanon, Nativity scenes are common in public places
Because most of the municipalities in Lebanon are a mix of Christian and Muslim, the influence of Christianity gives the Lebanese an opportunity to “make this season a season of joy,” said a Maronite priest in Beirut.
Best gift this Christmas is God giving the world his son, Jesus
Pope Francis focused not on gift giving but on thanksgiving as he told Vatican workers to thank God for the gift of employment and to pray for those who are jobless or are exploited at work.
Jerusalem archbishop: Mideast Christians suffer but keep faith strong
The numbers of Christians who have been killed because they are Christian is low. Thousands of Christians have been killed as victims of war just like others in the region, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa said.
Christmas reminds us of hope for the future, pope says
Continuing his series of talks on Christian hope, the pope reflected on the birth of Jesus as the "source of hope" for the world.
Pope calls for peace in Congo following deadly protests
Government security forces shot and killed 26 protesters during scattered demonstrations throughout the country against President Kabila, who has exceeded his presidential mandate, according to the Reuters news agency.
After Berlin attack, German Catholics unite in prayer
The Dec. 19 terror attack that killed 12 and wounded 50 has provoked strong emotions among many people, especially given that Christmas is traditionally one of Germany's most beloved and important holidays.
Pope denounces ‘homicidal madness’ after attacks in Berlin, Ankara
Similar to an attack with a truck that took place in July in Nice, France, a tractor-trailer veered into the crowded Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin and plowed through bystanders, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 50.
Pope names first woman to head Vatican Museums
Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June.