World News
Pope signs decrees in sainthood causes, including for U.S.-born priest
Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, a U.S.-born priest who ministered in South Korea, heroically lived the Christian virtues, according to a decree signed by Pope Francis; the decree is an initial Vatican step in the sainthood process for the priest, who founded the Sisters of Mary of Banneux and the Brothers of Christ.
Church in Central African Republic readies plans for papal visit
Pope Francis plans to visit the Central African Republic late this year in an effort to end two years of intercommunal violence, the vice president of the country's bishops' conference confirmed.
Sainthood cause of Focolare’s founder officially opens in Italy
The sainthood cause of the founder of the Focolare movement, Chiara Lubich, was to open officially Jan. 27 in the cathedral of the Italian Diocese of Frascati, which includes the town where the international lay movement is based.
Despite limits on liberty, Vietnam’s new cardinal-designate sees hope
Vietnam's cardinal-designate sees hope and continuing challenges ahead for the church in a nation that still has to fully embrace religious freedom.
Praying for victims in Niger, pope says no war can be waged for God
Praying for victims of violent protests and targeted attacks against the church in Niger, Pope Francis said no war can ever be waged in God's name.
Vatican names Di Ruzza to head Financial Intelligence Authority
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, named Tommaso Di Ruzza to be the next director of the Vatican’s Financial Intelligence Authority. The Vatican announced the appointment Jan. 21. [hotblock] Di Ruzza was an official at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace before he was appointed an assistant at the […]
Pope names former top prosecutor to head board for clergy abuse appeals
Pope Francis named the Vatican's former chief prosecutor of clerical sex abuse cases to head his new doctrinal team dealing with appeals filed by clergy accused of abuse.
Poverty stems from unjust economic system, not big families, pope says
Families who have lots of children do not cause poverty, Pope Francis said. The main culprit is "an economic system that has removed the human person from its focus and has placed the god of money" as its priority instead, he said Jan. 21.
Irish government says no referendum on blasphemy before election
The Irish government said it will not hold a national referendum to remove the offense of blasphemy from the country's constitution.
Bolivian president says pope will visit South America in July
Bolivian President Evo Morales told his people they must start preparing for a visit from Pope Francis in July.