World News
Pope to archbishops: Be brave, convincing witnesses for church
"It's quite simple, because the most effective and authentic witness is one that does not contradict, by behavior and lifestyle," what one preaches and teaches, he said during a Mass celebrating the feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul June 29.
Vatican signs agreement with Palestine, calls for two-state solution
The two parties signed the "Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine" at the Vatican June 26. The accord, which includes a preamble and 32 articles, focuses mostly on the status and activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine.
Pope to Guides: Educate girls for big responsibilities in church, world
"Today, it is very important that women are sufficiently valued and can take their rightful place in the church and in society," he said June 26, during an audience with a delegation of the International Catholic Conference of Guiding.
Organizers for meeting of families expect 1.5 million for papal Mass
A high-level delegation from Philadelphia, led by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, was in Rome as of June 22 to meet with Vatican officials, review some of the planning and promote the weeklong congress.
U.S. bishops learn how conflict affects lives of displaced Ukrainians
Olexiy Kondratenko, a scout with the Ukrainian army, is wondering if he will ever be able to travel to the United States. The 31-year-old soldier lost his left hand in firefight with pro-Russian separatists in the eastern city of Luhansk weeks ago. He needs specialized surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation.
More seminaries offering courses on faith, environment, study finds
In a report released June 22 to coincide with Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development noted that at least 162 courses on faith and the environment were offered at 52 seminaries and religious colleges in the United States and Canada between 2007 and 2014.
Ecuadoreans expect pope will address care for creation during July visit
When Pope Francis lands in Ecuador July 5, he will be returning to a country where he has long-standing bonds of ministry and friendship.
Ukraine church building projects attract interest from USCCB visitors
A delegation from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops got to see for themselves the progress that Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Greek Catholic communities were making during a fact-finding trip June 20-24.
Pope tells ecumenists to address ‘real concerns’ of churches worldwide
Noting that "realities are more important than ideas," Pope Francis told a group of ecumenists that they "must be oriented to addressing the real concerns" of churches worldwide.
Without enough priests, U.S.-based Paulists decide to leave Canada
The unusual uptick in vocations after the World War II has worked its way through the system and there are not enough priests left to staff the ambitious little empire of Paulist ministries that once dotted cities across Canada. So, after a century in Toronto, the U.S.-based Paulists are going home.