World News
Vatican diplomat: Religious prejudice in media, public debate on rise
Governments need to report, condemn and address all forms of discrimination against Christians, including intolerance shown in the media and public debates, said a Vatican diplomat.
Pope meets with Colombian leaders at odds on peace deal
Upon his arrival, President Juan Manuel Santos appealed for the pope's support following a shaky start to a peace deal ending more than 50 years of civil war between government forces and the guerrilla group FARC, the Spanish acronym for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Put aside ideology and work to rebuild Aleppo, say Catholic leaders
"Between the superpowers bickering, a whole country got destroyed. Hospitals, schools, churches, mosques and so many people were killed or were displaced. Accusing each other is not going to help the situation."
Philippine bishops oppose death penalty, but many Filipinos back Duterte
Amid his war on drugs, President Rodrigo Duterte sees the death penalty as an essential deterrent to crime. He has strong support from lawmakers who will vote soon on reinstating capital punishment in the Philippines.
Faith and diplomacy: Hackett reflects on role as U.S. envoy to Vatican
For diplomats from around the world, the Vatican is known as a prime "listening post," and what Hackett is listening to a lot these days are questions about what President-elect Donald Trump has in store.
When God shows a new way, devil sows doubt, pope says
God may show a new road along the journey but doubts over whether it is orthodox or heretical can creep in, Pope Francis said. Even amidst doubt, if people take tiny first steps, "God will do the rest," the pope said.
Corruption is cancer to health industry, pope tells hospital staffers
Corrupt business practices that seek to profit from the sick and the dying are a cancer to hospitals entrusted with the care of the most vulnerable, especially children, Pope Francis said.
Promote culture of respect for life, health, environment, pope says
In a message for the 2017 World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis called for renewed efforts in facing today's challenges in health care and in promoting respect for life.
Pope: World needs nonviolent responses to social, political problems
Rejecting violence as a way to solve problems is not a sign of weakness, but rather requires courage and honesty, Pope Francis told diplomats.
Germany’s Catholic, Protestant churches denounce growing arms sales
Germany's churches denounced their country's growing arms sales to the Gulf states and demanded tighter export controls on weapons manufacturers.