World News
Hong Kong cardinal urges Chinese Communist chiefs to end cross removals
"I sincerely and urgently appealed to the central government to contact the Zhejiang provincial government and investigate the real situation and stop all illegal cross removals," the cardinal said in an Aug. 12 statement.
French churches get increased security before feast of Assumption
"Every religious gathering, whatever its magnitude ... is vulnerable today to acts of malevolence, which may extend to terrorism," the country's Interior Ministry and bishops' conference said in a joint message to Catholic dioceses.
Ideals worth sacrificing for: Pope to challenge U.S. Congress, U.N.
Along with having a winning smile and a warm embrace, Pope Francis is known for challenging people — particularly calling out hypocrisy and gossip.
Elderly can keep growing, offer gifts to others, says U.S. priest
Paulist Father Thomas Ryan was turning 50 when he decided he didn't want just another birthday cake, scoop of ice cream and "Happy Birthday" song. The U.S. priest wanted to look seriously at the second half of his life and its potential.
Pope: Celebrations, including Mass, are essential for family life
Celebrations are times "to enjoy that which cannot be produced or consumed, that cannot be bought or sold," the pope said Aug. 12 at his weekly general audience.
Papal message for World Peace Day to focus on overcoming indifference
Selfishness and fear keep too many people ignorant of the suffering of others and prevent them from finding creative ways to express solidarity and to promote peace, said a statement from the Vatican's justice and peace office.
Care for creation, care for each other, pope says in radio interview
Caring for all of creation includes paying particular attention to the needs of young people and the aged, Pope Francis told the audience of a Catholic radio station in Argentina.
Church leaders lodge complaint to Israelis about rabbi’s arson remarks
The Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land filed an official complaint to Israeli police against the leader of a radical Israeli movement over his remarks supporting and encouraging the burning of churches.
Church leaders remind Iraqi refugees in Jordan they are not alone
A papal envoy and top Mideast Catholic leaders, including the patriarchs of Iraq and Jerusalem, reminded the world that the persecuted Christians of Iraq are not to be forgotten or abandoned.
76ers, Villanova coaches build peace through hoops in Holy Land
Sixers coach Brett Brown and Villanova men's coach Jay Wright ran basketball clinics and conflict-resolution seminars in Jerusalem and Ramallah, West Bank for a week.