World News
Give flesh to the Gospel like Mary did, pope says on Guadalupe feast
"To look at the Guadalupana is to remember that the presence of the Lord always passes through those who manage to make his word flesh, who seek to embody the life of God within themselves, becoming living signs of his mercy," Pope Francis said.
Self-centeredness is first obstacle to becoming a good priest, pope says
"How can I notice Christ if I only look at myself?" he asked. "How can I experience the beauty of the church if my only concern is to save myself, my energy and get out of every situation unscathed?"
Violence fixes nothing; world needs politics of peace, pope says
Calling for a new style of politics built on peace and nonviolence, Pope Francis also called for disarmament, the eradication of nuclear weapons and an end to domestic violence and abuse against women and children.
Pope asks Catholic farmers to preserve, respect rhythms of nature
Family farmers, he said, live the biblical ideal of working the land and making it produce sustenance while respecting creation and preserving it for future generations.
Pax Christi: Children are Africa’s greatest resources
Young people could "contribute to the development, well-being and peace" of Africa, Pax Christi members said in a statement from a Dec. 5-9 conference on "Nonviolence in Africa: Creating a Future of Hope."
Bishops urge Nigerian government to help young people move into farming
Such actions by the government would help reduce tension in rural areas of the country and allow the authorities to focus on improving services such as roads, health care and jobs, the bishops said in early December.
Pope calls Coptic Pope Tawadros to express condolences after Cairo attack
On a December weekend bloodied by terrorist attacks in Egypt and Turkey, Pope Francis condemned the violence and urged people to hold fast to their faith and renew their commitment to upholding basic human values.
Hark the herald angels: How sacred music lifts up hearts
Advent and Christmas are times in which music can lure and welcome Catholics who may come to church infrequently. Parishes can offer music that is beautiful as well as accessible to all. Watch a related video.
Catholic church bombed as fighting intensifies in northern Myanmar
The parish priest, nuns and some 1,000 Catholics from the area had already fled to China. No one was hurt by the morning raid that caused fires to burn well into the afternoon.
Amid the darkness, hold fast to light of hope, pope says
Christian hope is not the same as being optimistic about the future, but is knowing that whatever dark or frightening things are going on in one's life, God is there offering protection and light, Pope Francis said.