World News
African cardinal: Synod will be flexible with regional family situations
One of the leading voices among Africa's bishops predicts a new flexibility in Catholic teaching at this October's Synod of Bishops on the family, which he predicts will allow bishops in different parts of the world to adapt church teaching on the family to the region's culture, political landscape and economic situation.
Head of Scottish bishops apologizes to abuse victims, Catholics
The president of the Scottish bishops' conference offered a "profound apology" to victims of child abuse following a national review of church safeguarding procedures.
Pope: Keep work, prayer and time for family in balance
Work is part of the normal rhythm of life but time for rest, celebration and prayer must not be sacrificed for productivity and profit, Pope Francis said.
In Ireland, U.S. cardinals praise role of immigrants
The United States is "a nation of immigrants and we are proud of that," New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan told Catholic News Service at the Marian shrine of Knock, where he delivered a keynote opening a novena.
Vatican Museums’ app gathers funds and art fans
By downloading an app for a smartphone or tablet, members of the public can chat with others about famous works of art in the Vatican Museums, share strategies for dealing with the crowds and choose a work to help restore.
Catholics among initial responders to those injured in Tianjin blast
The morning after the industrial blast in Tianjin, China, the Tianjin Diocesan Social Service Center helped line up 60 volunteers to assist the government's rescue and relief work. The volunteers donated drinking water, clothes and other supplies to hospitals and temporary settlements for evacuees, reported ucanews.com.
Cardinal Paskai, Hungarian church leader, dies at 88
The retired primate of Hungary, Cardinal Laszlo Paskai, died Aug. 17 at the age of 88. He led the Catholic Church in Hungary as the country moved from communism to democracy at the end of the 1980s.
Vatican accepting applications from potential ‘missionaries of mercy’
Pope Francis is looking for a few good "missionaries of mercy," priests who are known for their preaching and their dedication to hearing confessions and granting absolution.
Excommunicated Chinese bishops ordain priests in separate ceremonies
Catholic leaders expressed concern over the ordinations, saying it was yet another example of the communist government tightening its control over the church.
Vatican U.N. representative reports high interest in papal visit
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, head of the Holy See's permanent observer mission at the United Nations, told Vatican Radio: "There is so much interest. Everybody wants to see the pope, even from a distance. The dream of so many is to have a selfie with the pope."