World News
Humility, open mind needed to crack coronavirus’ secrets, expert says
Dr. Anthony Fauci told a Vatican conference May 6 that it is still unknown why COVID can kill so many people and yet also can infect many more without causing any symptoms.
Lebanese sanctuary where Mary, Jesus rested is ‘very holy land’
Tradition says Mary waited for her son Jesus while he was preaching in Sidon and Tyre, thus the name, "Our Lady of Mantara," or "waiting." Today, pilgrims pray in the cave shrine and "like to see the Virgin Mary waiting" for them.
Pope to institute formal ‘ministry of catechist’
The formal ministry of the Catholic Church will be detailed in a new papal letter coming May 11. Some 3 million catechists teach and lead people to good works in Catholic parishes worldwide and, increasingly, lead mission communities.
Markets need regulation; poor need protection from fallout, pope says
In a monthly prayer, Pope Francis called for regulating finance because it has created an "unsustainable" and "dangerous" climate of speculation in which the poor are paying the consequences.
Church leaders offer prayers after Mexico City metro crash
Each priest of a diocese where 23 people were killed and 70 injured in the collapse of an elevated train line will celebrate Masses "for the deceased, the injured and their families."
Some German parishes plan blessings for lovers, including gays
The Vatican is increasingly critical of the debates in Germany over same-sex blessings, but local Catholics are becoming ever more vocal in their demands for reforms.
Sri Lankan churches halt services as third wave of COVID-19 hits
Schools have also closed, and there may be a shortage of oxygen in the country, where the number of cases tripled. "Everyone should work hard to save the country from becoming like India," said one priest.
Pope Francis asks for prayers for peace in Myanmar
During the global marathon praying for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, the church in Myanmar was asking Mary to help leaders "find the courage to walk the path of encounter, reconciliation and peace."
Pope urges altar servers to be signs of faith to their parishes
"Put all the enthusiasm of your age into your encounter with Jesus," Pope Francis told 1,000 young men and women in Portugal. "Offer Jesus your hands, your thoughts and your time, and he will not fail to reward you."
Pope will open an online meeting on ‘demographic winter’ in Italy
Pope Francis is scheduled to open a meeting discussing the challenges posed by the low birthrate in Italy, which is an "increasingly elderly and less populated country."