World News
Church entering ‘new era’ under Pope Francis, top papal adviser says
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The cardinal who heads Pope Francis' Council of Cardinals said the Catholic Church is entering a "new era" and accused critics of the pope's statements on economic injustice of failing to "understand reality."
Pope urges business leaders to serve human dignity, common good
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Business leaders have the power and the duty to reduce widespread inequality and "social exclusion," ensuring that "humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it," Pope Francis said in a message read at the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
At start of peace talks, pope calls for urgent end to violence in Syria
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As world leaders gathered in the hopes of finding a peaceful solution to Syria's three-year-long brutal conflict, Pope Francis asked that they spare no effort in bringing an end to the violence.
Vatican bank investigated cleric arrested again by Italian authorities
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Summarizing efforts made in 2013 to improve transparency and compliance with international standards for financial operations, the Vatican bank confirmed that it conducted a "detailed investigation" of the accounts held by a monsignor arrested by Italian police for the second time Jan. 21.
Vatican is studying possible papal trips to Korea, other Asian nations
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A possible papal trip to South Korea for an Asian youth gathering in August is under consideration as are invitations to the Philippines and Sri Lanka, the Vatican spokesman said.
Bishop praises Nigeria’s new law prohibiting same-sex relationships
LAGOS, NIGERIA (CNS) -- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing a law prohibiting all types of same-sex relationships.
Ukraine church urges return to peace amid spiraling street violence
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church appealed for calm as violence worsened between police and pro-European Union demonstrators in Kiev, Ukraine.
At Rome parish, pope meets with migrants, homeless, youths
ROME (CNS) -- Meeting 80 immigrants assisted by members of a Rome parish, Pope Francis said leaving one's homeland is always painful, but faith can give one the strength to keep going.
Vatican confirms Obama will visit pope in March
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama at the Vatican March 27, the White House announced and the Vatican confirmed.
Vatican panel says violence is ‘greatest corruption of religion’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Violence is the "greatest corruption of religion," while belief in a single God is the "principle and source of love between human beings," says a new study by a Vatican advisory panel of theologians.