World News
Pope, cardinal advisers discuss role of Vatican offices, laity
"Two fundamental themes emerged as the guidelines of the reform of the dicasteries: the missionary impulse and synodality," said Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office.
Brazilian Cardinal Arns, 95, remembered for his fight for human rights
UPDATED - Cardinal Paulo Evaristo Arns, known as the "cardinal of the people" and one of the most active voices against Brazil's military dictatorship, died in Sao Paulo Dec. 14.
Open your heart to that small splendor born in Bethlehem, pope says
Christmas is a time to open your heart to the little and wondrous things found in baby Jesus -- born poor and defenseless so he could be near and bring hope to everyone, Pope Francis said.
Indian missionaries teach faith by living among poor in remote areas
Priests, nuns and laypeople are living in mud-and-dung huts among tribal Indians, "reaching the unreached," said Msgr. John E. Kozar, president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.
Vatican sets up emails, hashtag to send pope birthday greetings
Even though Pope Francis was planning a "normal" workday for his birthday, well-wishers can help brighten it up with special tweets and emails.
God welcomes the repentant, condemns self-righteous clerics, pope says
Clerics who are self-righteous and over-intellectualize religion can end up hurting and ostracizing sinners who do repent, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.
Marriage advice: Make time for each other, especially at Christmas
Several groups said statistics show what seems innocent -- spending less time together -- increasingly is leading to breakups in relationships.
Suds and solidarity: Buying Benedictine beer helps rebuild basilica
The monks have not been able to brew beer since before the summer quake, but in a newsletter to supporters in mid-December, they reported that bottles shipped earlier to the United States are available for Christmas gift giving.
Pope remembers Opus Dei head as ‘paternal and generous’ witness
Pope Francis expressed condolences to the members of Opus Dei following the death of Bishop Javier Echevarria, who led the prelature for over 20 years.
Pope writes to Syrian president, pleading for peace and aid corridors
UPDATED - Pope Francis urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to do everything possible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid to the people.