World News
Mexico’s congress lifts restrictions on politicking from pulpit
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Mexican congress removed restrictions on preaching about politics from the pulpit, a move some priests say increases religious liberty in a country with a history of state-sponsored anti-clericalism.
Vatican declares Chilean bishop innocent of sexual abuse charges
SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- After almost a year of investigation, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith concluded that Bishop Cristian Contreras Molina of San Felipe was innocent of the child abuse accusations made against him.
Vatican publishes reflection on discerning essentials of faith
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When a significant portion of the Catholic faithful ignore or reject a church teaching, it is often a sign that social pressures are weakening their faith or that church leaders have not explained the teaching, said members of the International Theological Commission.
Because of distance, pope will not walk in Corpus Christi procession
In addition to the difficulty he has walking long distances, Pope Francis wanted to preserve his energy for his June 21 visit to an Italian town and a full day of activities there. A papal spokesman insisted the pope was not ill. "Try doing half of what he does," said Father Frederico Lombardi, "you'd think you were Superman."
Pope on Corpus Christi: Jesus in the Eucharist gives life, love
Updated - ROME (CNS) -- Jesus is the living bread that can satisfy a person's deepest yearnings, Pope Francis said on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Church urges Sudan to reconsider hanging Catholic woman
KHARTOUM, Sudan (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Khartoum has urged the judiciary to review the case against a Catholic woman who refused to renounce her faith and has been sentenced to death by hanging.
Refugees in Jordan say they never thought they would have to leave home
AMMAN, Jordan (CNS) -- Desperate to reunite with family in Europe, a young Syrian refugee recently paid thousands of dollars to a human trafficker to help him and his brother travel abroad. Instead, the pair found themselves tricked, half-way on the opposite side of the world -- in China.
Middle East Christians ‘betrayed’ by West, Catholic leader says
BEIRUT (CNS) -- Syriac Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan said Christians in the Middle East feel "abandoned, even betrayed" by the West as the militant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant gained control of large areas of Syria and Iraq in a violent push through both countries in June.
None of your business? How church and finance may profit together
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Francis condemns a "cult of money" and the "dictatorship" of a faceless economy, he isn't trying to damper entrepreneurial spirit or shutter business.
Catholic bishop to lead retreat, preach at Anglican deacon ordinations
CHESTER, England (CNS) -- A retired English Catholic bishop will lead an Anglican diocese's retreat for those to be ordained as deacons.