World News
Pope: Church is made of martyrs; leaders must respond to victims’ cries
"The blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a testimony which cries out to be heard by everyone who can still distinguish between good and evil. All the more this cry must be heard by those who have the destiny of peoples in their hands," the pope told Patriarch Mathias of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in a message sent April 20.
Catholics call for end to xenophobic violence in South Africa
Attacks on foreign nationals have left seven people dead, 5,000 displaced, and shops looted and razed. Anti-immigrant violence has spread across the country.
Pope receives fine-art Bible created to ‘ignite spiritual imagination’
Military tanks, oil derricks and cancer cells are among the contemporary depictions of the afflictions prefigured by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in a fine-art edition of the Book of Revelation given to Pope Francis.
Pope calls for Catholic-Jewish witness of faith, defense of believers
Pope Francis met April 20 with a 30-member delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis in anticipation of the 50th anniversary in October of "Nostra Aetate," the Second Vatican Council's declaration on relations with the Jews, Muslims and other religions.
World remains silent about kidnapped bishops — for 2 years
The Greek Orthodox patriarch lamented the global indifference about the fate of two missing Syrian Orthodox bishops, one of whom is his brother, from Syria.
Shroud of Turin on display; city readies for visit by pope, pilgrims
A thin white cloth draped over the glass-covered Shroud of Turin was pulled down and billowed to the floor, marking the official opening of the venerated icon's exposition to the public.
‘Obsession’ with authenticity hides shroud’s real meaning, expert says
No matter what science may say about the age and origins of the shroud, the linen cloth "opens a door to the mysteries of the infinite." Watch a video.
‘Saint’ Serra highlights Hispanic contribution to U.S., official says
The canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra will give the United States its first Hispanic saint, which should help more Americans realize that the country was settled by both Hispanics and Anglos, said the secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Pope urges prayers, action on behalf of migrants, unemployed, poor
The poor, migrants in search of a better life and the unemployed want what all human beings want: life, dignity and a chance to earn a decent living, Pope Francis said in several speeches urging compassion and assistance by both governments and individuals.
Pope thanks Papal Foundation for $14.6 million donation
Pope Francis thanked the Bala Cynwyd-based foundation for devoting much of its resources "to the education and formation of young priests, religious and laymen and women."