World News
Jerusalem holy site at center of enflamed tensions
The new wave of violence is taking place at one of the smallest contested spots on earth -- a 36-acre site claimed today by a Muslim mosque -- in the wake of rumors that Israel plans to take over the compound, which the Israeli government denies.
Archbishop: Family ministry is giving more love to those most in need
Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich told reporters that something his mother once said might give the Synod of Bishops a way to balance the need to affirm church teaching while reaching out to those who are struggling.
Infertility leads to sadness, and in Africa, divorce
Married couples need help in dealing with childlessness, which is "one of the major causes of divorce in Africa," said a Nigerian bishop at the Synod of Bishops on the family. The trauma "is beyond anything I can say."
Extreme poverty declining but much work remains, says Vatican rep at U.N.
The good news: the percentage of people living in extreme poverty will drop below 10 percent for the first time. But for many of those who have escaped it, "progress has been temporary and regression ... is even more painful," said the Vatican nuncio.
Confronting family issues, synod fathers focus on mercy, not changing doctrine
Members of the Synod of Bishops on the family summed up yesterday's sessions, which dealt with the rupture of families due to immigration, human trafficking and terrorism, and pastoral responses.
Synod calls for Bible-based presentation of God’s plan for family
As members of the Synod of Bishops concluded work on the second of three chapters in their working document, they continued to call for a tone and for language that is clear, simple and encourages people to see it is possible to live the vocation of marriage and family life.
Role of women, diversity in unity among issues debated at synod
Several women participating in the Synod of Bishops on the family said they are encouraged that their views are not only respected but included in the discussions taking place.
Melkite archbishop urges British not to support militants in Syria
Greek Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo said that for the past 60 years, Syria has strived to become a modern secular state. Western support for militants against Syrian President Bashar Assad would destroy all such progress.
Part of the family: Abuse survivors need special care, Australian says
Many people affected by abuse "don't ever want to set foot in a church again," said a victims' advocate at the Synod of Bishops. But many others see the church as "a traveling companion all their lives."
At audience, pope asks forgiveness for scandals in Rome and the Vatican
Pope Francis did not explain what scandal or scandals he was referring to in off-the-cuff remarks Oct. 14 followed a reading from St. Matthew's Gospel in which Jesus warns of scandalizing the "little ones."