World News
Prince Charles ‘deeply troubled’ by plight of Christians in Middle East
In a Dec. 17 address at London's Clarence House, the Prince of Wales said the Mideast's Christians were being persecuted by "Islamist fundamentalist militants," and he called upon the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam to unite to end the suffering.
Christmas offers lesson in humility, Pope Francis says
God "descends to earth as someone small and poor," the pope said Dec. 18 in Rome, "which means that to be like him we should not put ourselves above others, but on the contrary ... give ourselves in service, make ourselves small with the small and poor with the poor."
Pope proclaims sainthood of Jesuit companion of St. Ignatius
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis issued a decree declaring one of his favorite Jesuits, Blessed Peter Faber, a saint. The "equivalent canonization" means the pope inserts the name of the new saint in the calendar of saints without verifying a miracle performed through his intercession and without formal ceremony.
Pope celebrates birthday by having breakfast with homeless men
Updated - VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As part of a low-key celebration of his 77th birthday, Pope Francis had breakfast with three people who live on the streets near the Vatican. A small dog, belonging to one of the homeless men, was also on the guest list.
Belgian bishops deplore vote to allow children to choose euthanasia
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- Belgium's Catholic bishops have deplored a parliamentary vote paving the way for sick children and dementia patients to choose euthanasia. "The voices of religious leaders have plainly not been listened to," said Jesuit Father Tommy Scholtes, bishops' conference spokesman.
Pope Francis: I’m no Marxist, but no offense taken
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In another wide-ranging interview with an Italian journalist, Pope Francis denied he was a Marxist, dismissed the notion of women cardinals and reflected on Christmas as an occasion of joy, tenderness and hope.
Ordaining 31 Legionaries, cardinal says they are part of order’s reform
ROME (CNS) -- Ordaining 31 new priests for the Legionaries of Christ, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis told them they were not responsible for the scandals that threatened to destroy their order, but they have been part of the effort to renew and reform the order.
Christians can’t be gloomy because Jesus always brings joy, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Sadness is a sign of being far from Christ because Jesus offers everyone the strength to persevere with hope and joy, Pope Francis said.
Chaldean patriarch says extremism threatens Christians and Muslims
ROME (CNS) -- "Extremist political Islam is growing in the Middle East," prompting Christians to flee and causing death and upheaval among Christians and moderate Muslims alike, said the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church.
‘Jesus the Homeless’ sculpture may find home in Rome
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A year ago, Timothy Schmalz’s bronze sculpture “Jesus the Homeless” had been rejected by St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. But in late November, Pope Francis blessed the sculpture at one of his weekly general audiences in front of thousands of eager pilgrims. The pontiff […]