World News
Denying worries over security, Vatican cancels popemobile ride
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- The cancellation of a scheduled popemobile ride through a working-class neighborhood suggests that, despite official assurances, Pope Francis' chaotic entrance into the city July 22 may have raised concerns among those responsible for his safety during his first international trip as pope.
Pope returns to Marian shrine, entrusts WYD to Mary’s care
APARECIDA, Brazil (CNS) -- Comfortable in the presence of Mary and at a shrine that symbolizes one of his most important experiences as a member of the Latin American bishops' council, Pope Francis kicked off five days of intense activity with an act of devotion.
400,000 brave wind, rain for World Youth Day opening Mass
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- The mosaic of hundreds of national flags waving in the cold wind on Copacabana beach was symbolic, as pilgrims from all backgrounds, driven by a single faith, participated in the opening Mass for World Youth Day. "We come from different cultures, speak different languages, but we sing the same songs and have the same faith," said Nancy Issa of Ramallah, West Bank.
Escaped priest now helps Syrian refugees resettle in British Columbia
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (CNS) -- A priest who escaped from Syria is now helping other Christian refugees flee oppression and resettle in cities in British Columbia. "I know what it's like to be a refugee there," said Father Sarmad Biloues of SS. Peter and Paul Chaldean mission. "They lost everything, even their dignity."
Rio protesters, barricades, put damper on pope’s well-wishers
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — The dream of trying to see Pope Francis up close ended at a police barricade for 74-year-old Odaleia Bastos. “I don’t understand why we can’t get closer,” she said as she argued with police officers. “The population will protect the pope,” she kept telling them. Bastos, like many residents of […]
Pope says he returns to Latin America as witness of Christian love
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- Pope Francis returned to his native Latin America July 22, asking for open hearts, even after the irrepressible crowds in Brazil made it clear he had them. The way to reach the Brazilian people is through the heart, he told Brazilian officials upon landing in the country, "so let me knock gently at this door. I ask permission to come in and spend this week with you."
State of religious freedom in Pakistan considered ‘dire’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Panelists at a religious freedom session on Pakistan called for reform of the nation's laws, calling the situation for minorities dire. In June alone, 47 religious minorities were killed in Pakistan, including an 18-year old Christian man tortured to death by police after he was suspected of kidnapping a Muslim woman.
Crowds in Rio welcome pope, who wanted to be ‘close to the people’
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- Pope Francis arrived in Brazil July 22, making the first international trip of his pontificate to his native region of Latin America. The papal flight touched down at Rio's Galateo-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport at 3:43 p.m. local time.
Pope talks about importance of giving young people jobs
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO BRAZIL (CNS) -- With economic hard times as an excuse not to hire young people, the world risks tossing them aside and endangers its own future, Pope Francis said. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal flight to Rio de Janeiro July 22, the pope declined to answer their questions, but instead made very brief remarks about his July 22-29 trip and then greeted each of the 71 media members.
Pope creates body to revamp Vatican’s bookkeeping, fiscal responsibility
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has named a new commission to investigate current accounting practices among all Vatican offices and bodies and to help devise new strategies for greater fiscal responsibility and transparency.