World News
Greece’s Caritas aids refugees with food, clothing, human warmth
Thousands of people fleeing Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan pass through the makeshift transit center daily at Idomeni, a Greek village -- population 120 -- on the border with Macedonia.
Archbishop Chaput: In Philadelphia and in synod, support for Francis is obvious
In an Oct. 19 interview from Rome, Archbishop Charles Chaput said that despite an implied assertion published over the weekend, none of the bishops at the Synod of Bishops is an “opponent” of Pope Francis.
Aid workers assess areas hit by typhoon as Philippines gets more rain
Typhoon Koppu made landfall Oct. 18 packing 108 mile-per-hour winds and pounding rains that caused chest-high flooding in some areas. Catholic Relief Services is aiding residents, 70,000 of whom were in evacuation centers.
New pastoral approach does not change doctrine, Australian archbishop says
A member of the Synod of Bishops said the ministry toward families in irregular unions must begin with bishops listening to them. A couple in a second union that is "enduring and stable and loving" is not the same "as a couple skulking off to a hotel room for a wicked weekend."
Catholics in Jerusalem praying, and hoping, for peace
Following a week that included bloody clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces, the parishioners of St. Saviour Church in the Old City of Jerusalem did what they always do on Sunday: pray, mainly for peace.
Pope calls for ‘synodal’ church where all listen, learn, share mission
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis called for participation and joint responsibility among all Catholics and their leaders at every level of the church, with the pope as the "guarantee of unity."
Canonizing four saints, pope urges people to serve others with joy
Pope Francis called on people to replace their thirst for power with the joy of quiet and humble service, as he proclaimed four new saints, including the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.
Be joyful pastors, use God’s word to heal people, delegates tell synod
Many of the 12 nonvoting "fraternal delegates," whose presentations were published by the Vatican Oct. 16, touched on the themes of mercy; the Eucharist as a sacrament for healing, not a reward; the possibility of allowing divorce and remarriage in the Orthodox Christian tradition; and the need for repentance.
Spiritual practices key to keeping family strong, Indian cardinal says
Speaking to Catholic News Service Oct. 15, Cardinal Thottunkal said most Christian families in India still have a strong conviction that "a family that prays together stays together."
Support struggling families, synod’s lay observers say
Lay individuals and married couples, including the Witczaks from Philadelphia, offered members of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome some views of family life, and where ministry is needed.