World News
Pope expresses concern for Lebanon, hopes to visit the country
Pope Francis welcomed Lebanon's designated prime minister, Saad Hariri, to the Vatican April 22 and called on the country's politicians to work together for the good of the nation.
India reports COVID-19 patients dying of lack of oxygen; leak kills 22
A leak in the main liquid oxygen storage tank at a hospital led to a drop in pressure of ventilators, and 22 patients died immediately April 21. India reported a record high of 314,835 new coronavirus cases.
Catholic laypeople in Cologne Archdiocese demand local synod
The synod in Germany's largest diocese would improve communication, create a binding framework to address sexual abuse and involve participation by everyone, said a lay leader.
Head of Irish bishops calls new law on Mass attendance ‘draconian’
Some churches in the Archdiocese of Armagh, Northern Ireland have been closed since Dec. 26 under regulations, but a new law makes public worship a criminal offense.
Christians, Muslims must spread hope, says Vatican message for Ramadan
God calls the faithful of both religions to be "witnesses, restorers and builders of hope" both in this life and the next, said the leaders of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan may risk civil war, says priest in Kabul
An Italian Barnabite priest questions whether talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban can succeed as the U.S. prepares to pull out of the country after 20 years.
As pandemic worsens in Brazil, pope tells bishops to be one with people
"Everyone knows what it takes. It is possible to overcome the pandemic," Pope Francis said in a video. "But we can do so only if we are united." Critics say Brazil has refused to adopt "evidence-based public health measures."
Fraternity needed to address global challenges, Vatican official says
Although the COVID pandemic brought awareness of "a world community sailing in the same boat," the race for vaccines revealed a "gap in access to basic care between developed countries and the rest of the world," said the Vatican's secretary of state.
Police fire tear gas into Haitian bishops’ Mass for freedom
The COVID-19 pandemic has not directly impacted Haiti's people but a secondary fallout -- high unemployment -- and mismanagement of the response have further strained local economies and led to growing anarchy, including attacks on clergy and religious.
Catholics mobilize to help evacuees from Caribbean volcano
Despite continuous volcanic eruptions and ashfall on St. Vincent and neighboring islands, dioceses in the West Indies have rallied to the aid of those affected by La Soufrière volcano.