World News

Vatican hosts top world leaders, experts to seek end to Syrian war

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Egyptian Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei are among the key political experts invited by the Vatican for a one-day meeting aimed at promoting a cease-fire in Syria, the protection of Christians there and a transitional and unified government.

Istanbul residents recall former neighbor Angelo Roncalli, future saint

In 1958, Archbishop Roncalli became Pope John XXIII; he will be canonized April 27 along with Blessed John Paul II.

Pope: Don’t forget plight of exiles, elderly marginalized by own family

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Just as people must never ignore the plight of today's immigrants and refugees, they must also remember today's "hidden exiles" -- the elderly and other relatives who are abandoned or forgotten by their own families, Pope Francis said.

Big issues, events loom in new year for Vatican

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After a year that included the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and a series of celebrated innovations by Pope Francis, it is hard to imagine 2014 at the Vatican could be nearly as eventful. Besides any surprises, here are five issues to watch at the Holy See.

Pope, on feast of first martyr, prays for persecuted Christians

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Observing the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis prayed for Christians suffering persecution and discrimination around the world, even in countries that nominally honor religious liberty.

Syrian Christian refugees ponder their plight at Christmas

"Just see how Christians in Iraq were targeted on our sacred holiday, Christmas Day, in Baghdad," said Syrian Christian Abu Reda in Jordan, referring to bomb blasts that left at least 37 dead. "Christians are being targeted in Syria. I was one and that's why we fled here."

Egyptian bishop vows violence won’t stop democracy

CAIRO (CNS) -- A Dec. 26 attack in Cairo and other violence will not keep Egypt from going ahead with its planned referendum on a new constitution, said Coptic Catholic Bishop Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza, Egypt.

Vatican news highlights of 2013

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In terms of Vatican news, 2013 was surely one of the most eventful years in living memory. We review some of the highlights.

Photo of the day

Pope Francis receives a letter from a child during a visit to the Bambino Gesu children's hospital in Rome Dec. 21. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters)

Naples’ Nativity scene nears completion in St. Peter’s Square

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The world famous Nativity scenes of Naples never follow just the biblical account of Jesus' birth; for one thing, the figures usually are dressed in 18th-century costumes, but also it's not unusual for a modern-day politician or even pope to enter the scen