World News
Pope offers his support to cartel-afflicted Mexican diocese
Pope Francis sent a letter of encouragement to residents of an area afflicted by battling drug cartels, underscoring the lawlessness across Mexico and the government's inability to pacify it.
Cardinal implores saint’s intercession to overcome Lebanon’s crisis
Cardinal Bechara Rai, the Maronite patriarch, pleaded for the intercession of Lebanon's beloved St. Charbel Makhlouf as the beleaguered country spirals deeper into collapse, further roiled by the resignation of the prime minister-designate.
Catholic Anti-Slavery Network in Australia becomes model for business
A document including statements from 33 Catholic entities such as hospitals and schools, which outline measures they are taking to become slavery-free in areas such as procurement and employment, will help organizations to comply with Australia's Modern Slavery Act.
Pope expresses closeness with Cuban people as unrest continues
A week after protests erupted on the island nation, Pope Francis told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square July 18 that he was "near to the dear Cuban people in these difficult moments." He prayed for a society that is "more just and fraternal through peace, dialogue and solidarity."
Experts fear Cuba is preparing a harsh response to recent protests
Observers have seen a purported plan by the Cuban government to deploy state police and military personnel using whatever means necessary to squash further protests following July 11's massive turnout.
Priests join emergency response to catastrophic flooding in Germany
Aid efforts were running in high gear after torrential rains in Germany toppled buildings, washed away vehicles and left at least 100 people dead. Tens of thousands are without electricity.
Text: ‘Traditionis Custodes’ on use of the pre-Vatican II liturgy
See the Vatican's official English translation of the apostolic letter issued by Pope Francis July 16 concerning use of the Roman liturgy prior to the reform of 1970.
Appealing for unity, pope puts limits on pre-Vatican II Mass
Pope Francis ordered that priests now must have permission to celebrate the so-called Tridentine-rite Mass and bishops are not to establish any new parishes devoted to the old liturgy.
Authority in a wounded church: Leaders see ‘synodality’ as way forward
The clerical sexual abuse crisis has made the need for conversion painfully obvious and led to a reckoning with the use of power in the church through synod processes in several countries.
Vatican prosecutor seeks six-year sentence for abusive priest
Father Gabriele Martinelli is accused of sexually abusing a younger student at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary before he was ordained. The seminary's rector also faces a prison term if convicted.