World News
No one can be excluded from the care, love of the church, cardinal says
While the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions, the church will always welcome and accompany everyone, no matter their situation in life, said the American head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
Brazilians ‘need vaccines now,’ says document by bishops, others
Brazil faces its worst peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as people are dying in hospital hallways. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has denied the crisis and the importance of masks and social distancing.
They used to donate, now Lebanon’s ‘new poor’ seeking aid
In the throes of a collapsing economy exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and devastation from the Beirut port blast last August, Lebanon is sinking further into a dire situation.
One faith, two calendars: Date of Easter still on ecumenical agenda
The leaders of Christian churches worldwide are working to set one date for Easter, 1,700 years after the attempt to do so by the Council of Nicaea in 325.
Unaccompanied minors, a pandemic and politics mix at the border
More than 8,000 teenagers and children, trekking across Central America to unite with parents and family in the U.S., are quickly filling up shelters on the border with Mexico.
Polish cardinal could face jail time for failing to report abuse
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, retired Krakow archbishop and longtime aide to St. Pope John Paul II, plus other bishops could face three years in jail for ignoring sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
U.N. condemns Myanmar bloodshed; cardinal criticizes ‘brutality, violence’
Bloodshed in Myanmar is worsening as at least 38 people were killed in a crackdown on democratic protesters March 14, the same day the military rulers declared martial law in the capital city.
War in Syria must end; tormented people need relief, pope says
As of last year 585,000 people had been killed in the 10-year civil war, of which more than 115,000 were civilians, including children. More than 11 million have been displaced with 5.6 million refugees outside of Syria.
Post-pandemic world must learn from mistakes, pope says
The uncertainty and death brought on by COVID-19 should help humanity to reject "political selfishness" and make "wise and farsighted choices" to build a better world, Pope Francis said in a new book, "God and the World to Come."
Pope requests study of worship congregation before naming new prefect
Before naming a successor to Cardinal Robert Sarah, a consultant will study the procedures of the Vatican dicastery who work is to promote "the sacred liturgy according to the renewal desired by the Second Vatican Council."