World News
Just one smile from a loving family can warm coldest world, pope says
"No economic and political engineering is able to substitute this contribution from families," he said Sept. 2 during his general audience talk in St. Peter's Square.
Contemplate, give thanks, protect: Pope Francis prays for creation
During an evening celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the pope prayed that God would "enlighten the lords of power and money so they would not fall into indifference, but would love the common good, encourage the weak and care for the world in which we live."
Encourage one another, don’t gossip, pope says at morning Mass
Resuming Sept. 1 his daily celebrations with a small congregation in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis focused on how Christians are called to help one another prepare to meet God at the end of time.
For Year of Mercy, pope extends absolution in confessions
Pope Francis has extended to priests worldwide the authority to absolve women for abortion during the holy year, which opens Dec. 8. "This jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one," the pope wrote.
Eleven cardinals urge maintaining church rules on marriage
Their book, "Eleven Cardinals Speak on Marriage and the Family," is scheduled to be released in English in the United States Sept. 15 by Ignatius Press, which provided copies in advance to the media.
Pope begs governments to act to stop anti-Christian persecution
"Do something to put a stop to the violence and oppression," Pope Francis asked the international community after calling attention once again to the fate of persecuted Christians, especially in the Middle East.
Good, evil come from the human heart, not the outside world, pope says
The outside world is not what "makes us saints or not saints, rather it is the heart that expresses our intentions, our choices and the desire to do everything for God's love," he said before praying the Angelus Aug. 30 with people gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Former nuncio dies in Vatican residence while awaiting sex abuse trial
Initial results of the autopsy on the body of former archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, who was awaiting trial in the Vatican on charges of child sexual abuse and possession of child pornography, indicate he died late Aug. 27 of a "cardiac incident," the Vatican said.
Vatican downplays U.N. flag flap
The Vatican said seeing the flags of the Holy See and Palestine flying with the banners of the 193 full member-countries of the United Nations is not its desire.
Abducted girls remembered, but not with urgency, in Nigeria
A Catholic cardinal and Muslim imam joined the #BringBackOurGirls movement to mark the 500 days since more than 200 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists.