World News
If you can cheer for a sports team, you can praise God, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Prayers of praise for God aren't just for charismatics, Pope Francis said in a morning homily. "We find it easy to understand praying to ask God for something and also to thank the Lord," he said Jan. 28 at his early morning Mass. But prayers of praise "don't come so spontaneously."
Quebec to vote on euthanasia bill that contradicts ‘basic human values’
OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) -- Quebec's euthanasia Bill 52 will come to a vote in February, and the province's bishops say it "goes against the most basic human values and contradicts the very purpose of medicine."
Pope accepts resignation of Israeli Melkite archbishop
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Melkite Archbishop Elias Chacour of Haifa. Canon 210 of the Eastern Code of Canon Law allows for resignation for health reasons or at the age of 75. Archbishop Chacour is 74.
Make more room for women without crowding out family, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Women should play a greater role in society and the church without sacrificing their essential attention and contribution to their families, Pope Francis said.
Cardinal defends publication of Blessed John Paul’s private notebooks
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) -- The former personal secretary of Blessed Pope John Paul II has approved the publication of the late pontiff's private notebooks, despite a request in his will that they should be burned.
Relic of Blessed John Paul II reported stolen
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Thieves reportedly stole a relic of Blessed John Paul II from a country chapel 85 miles east of Rome.
Pope advances sainthood cause of Sisters of Charity of Quebec founder
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of eight candidates, including the founder of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec.
Pope prays for peace, dialogue in Ukraine; bishops offer to mediate
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As protests against the Ukrainian president spread to cities across the country, Pope Francis offered his prayers for the nation's people, "particularly for those who lost their lives in the last few days and for their families."
Unity will come as divided Christians pray, work together, pope says
ROME (CNS) -- While Christian unity will be a gift from God, it won't drop miraculously from the sky but will be given to the followers of Christ step by step as they walk together and work together, Pope Francis said.
Bishops to Zambian government: Stop intimidation, keep tax breaks
LUSAKA, Zambia (CNS) -- Zambian Catholic bishops urged the government to stop using state security institutions to intimidate people and warned that changes in tax legislation could lead to severe cutbacks in services that the church offers the poor.