World News
At Easter, Mideast patriarchs call for peace, especially in Syria
BEIRUT (CNS) -- Catholic patriarchs in the Middle East, in their Easter messages, appealed for peace in Syria and expressed hope that the region would experience a resurrection.
Jesus wants everyone to serve others with love, pope says
During the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at a rehabilitation facility near Rome, Pope Francis washed the feet of four women and eight men who are living with disabilities. They included a Muslim from Libya and a woman from Ethiopia.
Pope to priests: Look for the exit, go out into world, serve with love
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A priest is called to be in the midst of his flock, protecting his people, searching for those who are lost and always serving those in need, Pope Francis told the world's priests on Holy Thursday.
Ukrainian Catholic leader urges West to take action to stop Russia
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, where pro-Russian protesters are raising fears of Russian intervention, police asked residents to stay away from churches in troubled districts over Easter until the situation stabilized. Anti-Semitism was described as "rabid."
Pope advances causes of Franciscans, missionary, Redemptorist priest
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of four people, including a Franciscan priest and a lay Franciscan.
Malta Parliament passes same-sex marriage, adoption
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After a controversial vote in parliament April 14, Malta became the latest country to recognize same-sex unions as the legal equivalent of marriage, and to permit adoption by same-sex couples.
Imitate Jesus’ humility, thank him for it during Holy Week, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Jesus' resurrection "isn't the happy ending of a beautiful fairytale, it isn't the happy ending of a film," but is the result of the loving intervention of God, who wanted to give humanity hope and salvation, Pope Francis said. (Watch a video of the pope's suggested Holy Week devotion.)
Vatican was not ordered to appear before U.N. committee, spokesman says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican's scheduled May appearance before a United Nations committee monitoring adherence to an anti-torture treaty is being done willingly and not because church officials were ordered to appear for questioning, the Vatican spokesman said.
Seminary study requires commitment to constant conversion, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meeting a group of seminarians who had walked more than 40 miles to see him at the Vatican, Pope Francis told them to give their all to prayer, study and pastoral preparation, or else have the "courage to seek another path."
Pope: During Holy Week, ask which Gospel character you resemble
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Preceded by young people and clergy waving tall palm branches, Pope Francis began his Holy Week liturgies by encouraging people to ask themselves which personality in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection they resemble most.