World News
Vatican expects budget deficit for 2021
A deficit of $60.3 million is expected for this year's budget, "heavily impacted by the economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic," said the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy.
Peru’s bishops indignant over COVID-19 vaccine scandal involving nuncio
In what is being called "vaccine-gate," Peru's top leaders, plus the Vatican's ambassador to the country, received their shots from what was to be a clinical trial -- ahead of front-line workers.
DNR orders for Britons with learning disabilities called ‘immoral’
The imposition of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders on such patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.K. are "wholly unacceptable and immoral," said the bishops of England and Wales.
Myanmar nuns show solidarity with anti-coup protesters
Hundreds of Catholics, including dozens of nuns, marched on the streets of the capital Yangon Feb. 14 and recited prayers and the rosary. The nuns also are praying at convents and handing snacks to protestors.
In Iraq, pope will see historic sites important to Christianity
Pope Francis hopes to embark on the first-ever papal visit to the biblical land of Iraq in early March in a spiritual pilgrimage to the cradle of civilization and the early Christian church.
Iraq announces COVID-19 restrictions ahead of papal trip
Due to rising cases of the virus, the government announced the closure of mosques and churches "until further notice," including throughout the visit of the pope, who called himself "the pastor of people who are suffering."
Pope marks anniversary of Christians martyred in Libya
Marking the sixth anniversary of the beheading of 21 Christians on a beach in Libya, Pope Francis said on the Day of Contemporary Martyrs that they gave witness to Christ through their martyrdom.
Spanish lawyers act to prevent removal of crosses by local officials
Local officials in Spain are trying to remove crosses in public parks and streets, claiming that Christian symbols are linked with the country's former dictatorship.
Vaccine access one of many fights facing vulnerable Global South
The global network of Catholic charities has been reminding the international community that poorer countries "will be last on the list" to receive the vaccine, and they are challenged by lack of infrastructure.
On Ash Wednesday, Philippine archdiocese to let families distribute ashes
The Cebu Archdiocese released a prayer guide for those at home and unable to go to church due to COVID-19 restrictions. Government rules prohibit children and elderly people from attending large church gatherings.