World News
Pope considers possibility of visiting Cuba during same trip as U.S.
"Contacts with the Cuban authorities are still in too early a phase for it to be possible to regard this stop as a firm decision and a working plan," Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said in a statement April 17.
Canadian Supreme Court: No prayer at city council meetings
The court said such prayers go against freedom of religion and conscience. In a unanimous decision and in the name of neutrality of state, all nine judges agreed that prayers should not be allowed anymore.
Pope to visit, celebrate Mass at U.S. seminary in Rome
Pope Francis will visit the Pontifical North American College May 2 and celebrate Mass there at the end of a conference on the life and significance of Blessed Junipero Serra, the Franciscan founder of California missions whom the pope will canonize in the United States in September.
Religious must assess attitudes toward abuse, celibacy, sister says
A religious sister at the Vatican said it is important to assess men and women religious' attitudes toward celibacy and toward "the reality" of the sex abuse scandal in the church.
Pope urges those guilty of brutality in Kenya to ‘come to their senses’
Meeting the Kenyan bishops April 16 during their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican, the pope urged the bishops to step up efforts with other Christians and other faiths to promote peace, dialogue and justice.
Lebanese cardinal, ambassadors discuss terrorism, presidential vacancy
The cardinal stressed that terrorism poses a major challenge to moderation in the region and the Christian presence in the Middle East.
Vatican to host ‘summit’ on climate change, development
The focus of the workshop, with more than 60 environmental experts invited, will be the moral dimensions of climate change and sustainable development.
Mother and son: Pope Francis shares personal, intimate devotion to Mary
From Easter to Pentecost -- and especially during the Marian month of May -- Catholics recite the "Regina Coeli" prayer "with the emotion of children who are happy because their mother is happy" that Jesus has risen from the dead, Pope Francis said.
Vatican, LCWR announce successful conclusion of process to reform group
The Vatican approved new statutes and bylaws for the U.S. Leadership Conference of Women Religious, ending a seven-year process of investigating the group and engaging in dialogue with its officers to ensure greater harmony with church teaching.
European countries distinguish between religious, civil marriages
As some in the United States consider whether religious and civil marriages should be separated, they might look to practices in Europe, where most countries have long distinguished between the two.