World News
Pope tells bishops at family synod to speak fearlessly, listen humbly
Pope Francis opened the first working session of an extraordinary Synod of Bishops Oct. 6, in which bishops would discuss such topics as cohabitation, divorce, birth control and the impact of social and economic pressures on the family.
Opening family synod, pope warns bishops of hypocrisy, pride and greed
Opening a two-week Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis warned participants against the temptations of hypocrisy, pride and greed, urging them instead to serve the church with "freedom, creativity and hard work."
Church suffers from bishops choosing ill-suited priests, pope says
Many of the problems in the church today come from accepting men who are unsuitable for the priesthood, Pope Francis told the Congregation for Clergy.
Cardinal says synod will have open discussion, even on sensitive topics
The "freedom of expression" that characterized preparations for the Synod of Bishops on the family -- especially in responses to a Vatican questionnaire -- "will also characterize the synod assembly, which certainly will take place in a climate of respect for every position, mutual charity and an authentic sense of constructiveness," said the head of the synod.
Iraqi refugees in Jordan say it will be difficult to return home
Iraqi refugees who fled Islamic State violence and theft of their property in Mosul said it will be difficult to ever return home, despite concerns by the church that more Christians are fleeing their ancient homeland in the Middle East.
Just economic policies respect person’s right to work, pope says
The global economic system exploits regional and national differences in labor costs, taking advantage of the poor and destroying jobs in countries where the rights and dignity of workers enjoy greater protections, Pope Francis said.
Communion for some Catholics should be ‘off the table’ at synod, cardinal says
The highest ranking U.S. bishop at the Vatican says this month's Synod of Bishops on the family should mark the end of a high-level debate over whether to make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion.
Pope: People must open hearts to migrants who face closed borders
People need to open their hearts to the many people who are forced to migrate as they face enormous difficulties and sometimes tragedy, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Life means nothing to terrorists, arms trade root of Mideast woes
Pope Francis opened a three-day summit on the violence and persecution underway in the Middle East, saying arms trafficking was the root cause of many problems in the region.
Missouri spokesman confirms archbishop visited diocese for interviews
A diocesan spokesman confirmed that a Canadian archbishop conducted an apostolic visitation to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., to conduct interviews with Bishop Robert W. Finn and others in the diocese.