World News
In Madhu, pope tells Sri Lankans reconciliation requires repentance
Pope Francis told Sri Lankans seeking reconciliation after two-and-a-half decades of civil war that, before they can forgive each other, they must repent of their own sins.
Pope proclaims Sri Lanka’s first saint, right to religious freedom
Canonizing Sri Lanka's first saint, who ministered to Catholics under persecution three centuries earlier, Pope Francis proclaimed what he called the "fundamental human right" of religious freedom.
Pope speaks to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims in Sri Lanka
Watch a video of Pope Francis speaking at an assembly of faith leaders during his visit to the country Jan. 13.
Some Filipinos hope pope supports pact between Muslim group, government
Some Muslims in the Philippines hope Pope Francis will publicly show support for a peace pact between the country's largest Muslim rebel group and the government during his Jan. 15-19 visit.
Markets cannot be the answer to economic inequities, pope says in book
The world cannot wait for an economic system that will cause poverty to fix itself, Pope Francis said.
Bishops see signs of resilience in Gaza, despite destruction
Despite the immense destruction still evident in Gaza following the war there last summer, the resilience of the people gave hope to 16 bishops of the Holy Land Coordination during their visit to the Gaza Strip Jan. 11-12.
Pope to Sri Lankans: Look at your past, pursue justice together
Arriving in Sri Lanka, a country recovering from two-and-a-half decades of ethnic and religious civil war, Pope Francis said reconciliation would require its people to explore their painful recent history and accept persistent differences within their multicultural society.
Report: Christians face worsening mistreatment; North Korea tops list
An international report has warned that Christians face worsening mistreatment worldwide and called for "urgent action" by Western governments and church leaders.
University students prepare spiritually, call pope’s visit a blessing
Youth leaders at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila were preparing spiritually for Pope Francis visit, which they said would be a blessing for the people of the Philippines.
Pope thanks Catholics for helping Haiti, says much more left to do
Pope Francis thanked Catholics worldwide for helping people in Haiti recover from a devastating earthquake, but said "there is still much work left to do."