World News
Pope: Simple gestures, not superpowers, needed to start a revolution
All it takes is just one person carrying out one simple, loving act of mercy every day to start a revolution and stamp out the "virus of indifference," Pope Francis said.
End ‘inhumane’ hostilities now, rescue civilians in Syria, pope pleads
He asked the cease-fire be "implemented and respected at least for the time needed to allow for the evacuation of civilians, most of all children, who are still trapped under fierce bombings."
Nun working in Aleppo says families all over city live in fear
Sister Annie Demerjian questioned why Western journalists focused on the plight of people in areas held by rebels and jihadis but seldom those in regions controlled by the government of Bashar Assad.
Albanian church awaits beatification of 38 communist-era martyrs
A priest who was shot for baptizing a child and a religious novice who died after she was tortured in a sack are among 38 Albanians to be beatified as martyrs Nov. 5, doubling the number of Catholics declared blessed from communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Pope offers red hat to priest whose story moved him to tears
The story of how an Albanian priest endured decades of imprisonment, torture and forced labor during his country's communist crackdown against the church brought Pope Francis to tears.
Pope advances sainthood causes of two priests, two women
At a meeting Oct. 10 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, the pope signed decrees acknowledging that the four lived the Christian virtues in a special way. If the pope also recognizes a miracle attributed to their intercession, they would be beatified.
Catholic students join South African protests; chaplain shot in face
"Higher education in South Africa is chronically underfunded," the Johannesburg-based Association of Catholic Tertiary Students said in a statement, noting that "the country spends far less on this sector than many other developing countries."
Pastors and peacemakers: Pope names 17 new cardinals
Here are short biographical sketches of the 17 churchmen Pope Francis announced he would induct into the College of Cardinals Nov. 19. The cardinals-designate are listed in the order in which Pope Francis announced their names Oct. 9.
Personal conversion needed to serve others, pope says
Christians must draw inspiration from Jesus' life and renew their trust in God to fulfill their mission to serve others, the pope told the group Oct. 10.
Mary’s life is a lesson in trusting God, pope says
Imitating Mary's life of humility and gratitude, men and women in the church must place complete trust in God's will and not in material possessions or intellectual prowess, Pope Francis said.