World News
Remember those like Holy Family who are homeless, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Seeing a protest sign in St. Peter's Square that read "The poor cannot wait," Pope Francis urged individuals and government leaders to recognize the pain, struggles and rights of families -- like Jesus, Mary and Joseph -- who do not have a home.
Pope pays pre-Christmas visit to Rome’s children’s hospital
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With lots of kisses, but very few words, Pope Francis spent more than two-and-a-half hours visiting sick children, their parents and doctors at Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital Dec. 21.
Christian leaders say violence in South Sudan is political, not ethnic
For two days the leaders of the nation's Christian churches issued a joint statement urging the government and political leaders to protect the nation's citizens and to remain calm and not incite violence. The efforts joined others to prevent South Sudan from plunging into civil war.
Catholic-Orthodox ties improve in Russia, church official says
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The Catholic Church in Russia predicted a "steady improvement" in ties with the predominant Orthodox Church after a visit by Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council fort Promoting Christian Unity.
Papal preacher says concern for unborn should extend to poor
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians cannot hope to abolish abortion and euthanasia unless they live out their faith, extending their concern for victims of such practices to those who suffer from poverty, illness and oppression, said the preacher of the papal household.
Mexicans pessimistic that reforms will do little to lift economy
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Shopkeeper Rodolfo Villanueva keeps a close eye on sales at his mom-and-pop store, especially in the fall months, which he has found signal what to expect in the upcoming year.
Church peace initiatives said to be vital to easing Kenyan conflicts
NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- Church initiatives to promote peace among Kenya's Turkana and Pokot communities are vital to easing simmering conflicts over recently discovered oil deposits and continuing tensions over grazing lands and access to water, said the apostolic nuncio to the East Africa nation.
Chinese diocese won’t bury bishop until government returns cemetery
TANGSHAN, China (CNS) -- The Tangshan Diocese announced it would not bury deceased Bishop Paul Liu Jinghe until the government returns a former church cemetery, so government officials took clergy away for questioning Dec. 18.
Vatican hires firms to streamline communications, improve bookkeeping
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an effort to streamline and modernize its communications structures and bring its accounting practices in line with international standards, the Vatican hired two international consulting agencies.
Man seriously injured after setting self on fire in St. Peter’s Square
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A 51-year-old man was severely injured after he set himself on fire in St. Peter's Square. The unidentified man doused himself with gasoline he had carried in a bottle and then lit himself aflame at the end of the colonnade near Piazza Pio XII at 8:30 in the morning Dec. 19.