World News
Christmas decorations inspire everyone, even nonbelievers, to love
The Nativity scene and Christmas tree "are an invitation to unity, harmony and peace; an invitation to make room -- in our personal and social life -- for God," Pope Francis said today, meeting the people who donated the centerpieces of the Vatican Christmas decorations.
‘Happy’ about warming of U.S.-Cuba relations, pope praises diplomacy
Pope Francis expressed his joy over the historic turning point in U.S.-Cuba relations as the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties after half a century.
Christians can’t ignore differences on life issues, pope says
Christianity has something to say about human dignity, and "it would be a shame" if differing positions on the sanctity of all human life or on marriage were to increase the divisions among Christian churches and communities, Pope Francis said.
Christmas is a sign that God works in history to save people, pope says
God acts in history to save his people, at times even testing them, rather than simply making them in a petri dish and saving them "aseptically, in a laboratory," Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis credited for urging U.S., Cuba to normalize relations
The pope's actions were part of a major diplomatic effort by the Vatican, which hosted direct talks between American and Cuban officials. A letter by the pope "gave greater impetus and momentum for us to move forward," an Obama administration official said.
Happy birthday, Holy Father
On the occasion of his 78th birthday today, Pope Francis started a series of talks in Rome on the family with a reflection on the Holy Family as a model for all Christian families. The series will prepare for October 2015 Synod of Bishops on the family.
Lebanese parish reaches out to Christian Iraqi refugees for Christmas
The sadness behind their polite smiles was evident when they arrived on two buses for a Mass and luncheon in their honor.
Five years after quake, Haiti makes slow but noticeable progress
Nearly five years after one of the most devastating earthquakes ever to rock the Western Hemisphere, more than 85,000 people still live in dozens of tent camps across Haiti's expansive earthquake zone.
Pope to ride in open vehicles during trip to Philippines
Pope Francis will not ride in a bullet-proof vehicle during his Jan. 15-19 visit, even after the notoriously violent Islamic State group said it planned to target the pontiff during his travels.
Climate pact fails to protect poor countries, say Catholic observers
The vague language of the recent international agreement means the poorest countries could bear a disproportionate share of the costs from droughts and floods due to climate change, Catholic groups said.