World News

To feed the world, start with family farms, pope says

Ahead of a United Nations summit in September, Pope Francis said small farmers are essential to rebuilding economies and tackling hunger, especially in "the post-pandemic 'restart' process."

Elderly are to be valued, not discarded, pope says

Seniors are "are a precious source of nourishment," wrote Pope Francis, recovering from colon surgery, in a July 25 homily delivered for the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Desperation in Honduras fuels migration northward, U.S. visitors learn

Franciscan Sister Mary Kennedy from Philadelphia and other advocates recently visited the Central American nation, from which violence, poverty and a loss of hope have driven thousands.

Pope prays for victims, families hit by devastating floods in China

Record rainfall earlier this month has left at least 63 dead, with more than 1.1 million forced to relocate.

Vatican announces $78 million deficit, also releases APSA report

The coronavirus and shifts in the securities market were cited as key reasons for the losses, with Vatican officials taking "a step forward" in financial transparency.

Vatican official’s call for talks in Venezuela draws rebuke

Venezuela's president has accused the Vatican secretary of state of meddling in national affairs after the cardinal sent a letter to business leaders calling for negotiations to resolve the ongoing crisis in the South American country.

Role reversal: Developing nations show concern to flood-hit Germany

Expressions of prayer and comfort from diverse nations and Islamic associations in Germany are showing Germans that "solidarity is not a one-way street," and that damage from climate change is worsening.

EU commission urges action to protect religious freedom

European bishops called on the European Union to do more to protect religious freedom and strengthen the bloc's role as a "global humanitarian, development, economic and peace actor."

Plans for next synod continue at Vatican

The meeting of bishops and other Catholics around the world will take place in October 2023 with the theme, "For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission."

Traditional Latin Mass ‘movement’ undermining Vatican II, archbishop says

An official previously involved in the Vatican's dialogue with the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X said the church movement "is working for objectives that are precisely contrary to what St. John Paul and Benedict XVI hoped for."