World News
Russian Catholic urges nation’s bishops to speak out on massive arrests
The Moscow archdiocese would not comment on "political matters" as mass arrests and beatings of protesters continued. Younger Catholics relying on Catholic social teaching are "becoming more active, as the persecution starts to affect them."
Online ‘marathon’ planned for day of prayer against trafficking
An online event on Feb. 8, feast of St. Josephine Bakhita who had been sold into slavery as a child, will pray for an economy free of exploited, trafficked persons.
World must realize common humanity or fall apart, pope says
The world must begin to realize its shared humanity in order to live peacefully, otherwise it risks endless conflicts, Pope Francis said among world leaders. "Today, there is no time for indifference."
Caritas: Access to vaccine not as equitable as it should be
The global Catholic charities agency called on world leaders to set aside seeking returns on their investments in the COVID-19 vaccine and instead focus on its equitable distribution, especially in poor countries.
Pope establishes World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
The day will be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of SS. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents. The first celebration will be July 25.
Pope adds siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus to feast day
Because Jesus "experienced the family spirit and friendship" of St. Martha and her siblings, Pope Francis declared them doctors of the church and decreed their July 29 feast on the calendar of saints.
In meeting with U.S. Catholic journalists, pope speaks of hope
Pope Francis told Catholic News Service at the Vatican that he still intends to visit Iraq in March, praised American Catholics but warned, "the path of division leads nowhere."
Swiss religious leaders: Ban on burqas would violate religious freedom
Switzerland's Catholic Church and other religious leaders oppose a law to ban "covering the face in public," introduced by members of the center-right Swiss People's Party.
Pope says money at root of opposition to annulment reform
Pope Francis removed or greatly reduced the costs of obtaining a marriage annulment in 2015, but the reform is opposed by those concerned with the potential loss of money and authority, he said.
Kenyan Catholics add ‘classrooms’ under trees in response to pandemic
One Catholic leader said conducting classes under trees that offer protection from the sun is preferable to extending children's stay at home with no access to learning. Kenya's schools had been closed for nine months.