World News
Local events slated for the Year of Mercy
A worldwide focus on the mercy of God, which Pope Francis called to begin Dec. 8, will include events throughout the year in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Catholic economist: Pope has ‘measured’ critique of U.S. economy
Harsh criticisms meted out by Pope Francis on free-market capitalism have sparked backlash from some fiscal conservatives and have led some people to call him "anti-capitalist" or even Marxist.
Alliances needed to fight global warming, poverty, say Vatican speakers
Democracy must return to politics and unusual alliances must form in order to get the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle poverty, said a panel of speakers attending a Vatican conference.
New focus for U.S. Buddhist-Catholic dialogue: social justice
This new, practical approach to interreligious dialogue marks a shift from the more traditional discussions aimed at mutual knowledge and understanding to a greater emphasis on planned collaboration for social projects.
Pope’s visits to Cuba, U.S. to highlight families, charity, tolerance
Visiting both Cuba and the United States on the same trip not only acknowledges his role in encouraging detente between them, but will give Pope Francis an opportunity to demonstrate that while different political and cultural challenges face Catholics in both countries, the Gospel and its values are the same.
Papal summer: Benedict heads for hilltop villa, Francis trims schedule
Pope Francis will still hold his Angelus prayer and address every Sunday; however, there will be no Wednesday general audience for all of July, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. The general audience will resume in August in the Vatican's solar-powered and air-conditioned Paul VI hall.
Pope cites growing trust among Jews and Christians
Jews and Catholics are "strangers no more, but friends, and brothers and sisters," thanks to dialogue since the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis said today.
Supporters of pope’s ecological teachings gather in St. Peter’s Square
Environmentalists from around the world and from different faiths were among the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered for the Angelus with Pope Francis June 28.
Pope creates new communications department to streamline Vatican media
The development of digital media, with its converging technologies and interactive capabilities, "requires a rethinking of the information system of the Holy See," the pope wrote.
St. Therese’s parents to be first married couple canonized together
Pope Francis issued the decree approving their canonization June 27, during the public consistory on canonizations at the Vatican; more than 40 cardinals attended.