World News
‘Spotlight’ is not anti-Catholic, Vatican newspaper says
"It is not an anti-Catholic movie ... because the film succeeds in giving voice to the alarm and deep pain" experienced by Catholics after reporters in Boston revealed the scandal of clerical abuse, said a Vatican paper.
Cardinal tells Australian abuse hearing he won’t defend indefensible
Cardinal Pell gave evidence at a special session convened in Rome's Hotel Quirinale via video link to the Commission in Australia, from where he was questioned for four hours by Gail Furness, senior counsel assisting the commission.
Don’t let economic freedom trample human rights, pope tells employers
Don't allow the market to be "an absolute, but honor the requirements of justice," he said in an audience at the Vatican Feb. 27 with representatives of Confindustria -- a federation of employers and the chamber of commerce in Italy.
Persecution by ISIS draws once-divided Christians closer
"Just as in the early church," Pope Francis said, the murder of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians by Islamic State militants "has become the seed of Christian unity ... what unites us is greater than what divides us."
Pope calls for ‘harmonized response’ to migrant crisis in Greece
"A harmonized response can be effective and equally distribute the weight," he said Feb. 28 after reciting the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square.
For ‘Mercy Friday’ initiative, pope visits young addicts at rehab center
To the complete surprise of the 55 residents, Pope Francis showed up in his compact Ford Escort at the San Carlo Community Feb. 26 with just a driver.
Canadian report recommends widening access to physician-assisted suicide
The mentally ill and consenting minors should be allowed to choose physician-assisted suicide, a federal parliamentary committee recommended.
Vatican envoys risk their lives to end ‘World War III,’ archbishop says
"Let's not be kidding ourselves: If we are going to bring peace, if we are going to secure countries and communities, particularly people who are persecuted, we are going to have to make an unprecedented effort," said Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher.
God seeks those who need him most, charity should do same, pope says
Because God refuses to keep his love to himself, seeking those who turn away and need him most, believers must do the same and go where love is needed, Pope Francis said.
Italian Senate passes civil unions bill
The legislation, known in Italy as the "Cirinna" bill, passed Feb. 25 after the bill's sponsors removed a proposed clause that would allow for a nonbiological parent in a homosexual union to adopt the biological children of his or her partner.