World News
Social ills are result of political, not just moral failures, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Many of today's social ills are driven by a lack of adequate social policies and government support, not just selfishness and moral degradation, Pope Francis said.
Pope, giving archbishops palliums, says stay focused on following Jesus
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After placing woolen bands, called palliums, over the shoulders of 24 archbishops from around the world, Pope Francis urged them to trust in God and not seek refuge in power or prestige. “Trust in God banishes all fear and sets us free from every form of slavery and all worldly temptations,” […]
Ill again, pope cancels visit to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, university
ROME (CNS) -- At the exact moment Pope Francis was scheduled to leave the Vatican to travel to Rome's Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and its Gemelli Hospital, patients and staff were told the pope had to postpone his visit because he was not feeling well.
Synod document cites cultural and economic threats to family
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The working document for the October 2014 extraordinary Synod of Bishops offers a picture of the Catholic Church today struggling to preach the Gospel and transmit moral teachings amid a "widespread cultural, social and spiritual crisis" of the family.
Fall synod to review state of family; 2015 synod to draw up proposals
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Representatives of the world's Catholic bishops, meeting together in a synod, are not expected to make any formal proposals about the church's pastoral care of families until after a second, larger gathering in 2015.
British high court rejects challenges to assisted suicide laws
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- Britain's highest court has thrown out three challenges to laws against assisted suicide.
Pope: People drawn to caring shepherd, not moralists, the power-hungry
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- People were drawn to Jesus because he was a good shepherd -- not a moralist, not power-hungry, not a revolutionary and not a hermit, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Everyone must have more access to scientific knowledge, training
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis reaffirmed the church's commitment to dialogue with the world of science and asked that all men and women have greater access to scientific research and training.
Founders of Korean church among martyrs Pope Francis will beatify
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- When Pope Francis goes to South Korea in August, he will put 124 martyrs on the path to sainthood. Many in this group established the Catholic Church in that East Asian country.
Irish government finalizes terms of inquiry into mother-baby homes
DUBLIN (CNS) -- The Irish government is finalizing the parameters of a judicial inquiry into church-run state-funded mother and baby homes.