World News
Pope says evangelists build bridges, not walls
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like Jesus who dined with Pharisees and sinners and St. Paul who preached to idol worshippers, true evangelizers build bridges that lead unbelievers into the church, not walls to protect it, Pope Francis said. The pope’s words came in a homily May 8 during morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, […]
Vatican, U.S. sign deal to cooperate in fight against financial crime
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to strengthen its ability to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the Vatican signed an agreement with the United States to share information regarding suspect financial transactions. The Vatican’s Financial Information Authority signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” in Washington D.C. May 7 with the U.S. Financial […]
Pope tells sisters the church needs them, they need the church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told 800 superiors of women’s orders from around the world that the Catholic Church needs religious women and that religious women need to be in harmony with the faith and teachings of the church. “What would the church be without you?” the pope told the women May 8. “It […]
Cardinal says both sides in LCWR case must be open to dialogue
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A day after the Vatican issued a statement saying the congregations for doctrine and for religious were united in wanting a reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the head of the congregation for religious repeated his call for more dialogue with the sisters.
Only Holy Spirit can fill hearts thirsting for love, peace, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Listen to the Holy Spirit because he is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives, Pope Francis said. The Holy Spirit is the living water that “quenches the thirst in our lives because he tells us that we are loved by […]
Vatican says its departments collaborate, including on decision on American nuns
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days after the head of the Vatican office overseeing religious life said he had not been consulted by the Vatican's doctrinal office about a controversial investigation of American nuns, the two offices affirmed their "common commitment" to reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. A Brazilian cardinal's remarks were an unusual example of a Vatican official speaking publicly about the lack of communication and coordination among Roman Curia offices, which many cardinals tried to address during the meetings before the conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Science can create a monster if too prideful, said future pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With a specialized education in both chemistry and theology, Pope Francis is no stranger to the relationship between science and faith. “Science has its autonomy that must be respected and encouraged,” the future pope said in a recently published book. “There is no reason to meddle with scientists’ autonomy, except when […]
Cardinal says dialogue was missing from Vatican’s look at LCWR
ROME (CNS) — The Vatican-ordered revision of the statutes of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will continue, but it must be accompanied with a real dialogue, which has been missing from the process, said Brazilian Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. […]
At least two die in Tanzanian church bombing; nuncio unhurt
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The deadly bombing of a new church in northern Tanzania left at least two people dead and a dozen injured while the Vatican nuncio escaped unharmed after the attack.
Only defense against devil, hatred is word of God, humility, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Dialogue doesn’t work with the devil; the only defense is the word of God, humility and meekness, especially in response to his works of hatred and persecution, Pope Francis said. “Humility and meekness: These are the weapons that the prince of the world, the spirit of the world does not tolerate, […]