World News
TPS beneficiaries from seven countries to receive extension
Some foreign citizens may remain in the U.S. under the Temporary Protected Status program, including those from South Sudan until May 2022, and from El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, Nepal and Sudan until October 2021.
In Nigeria, nun cares for abandoned children labeled as witches
Since 2007 Sister Matylda Iyang has cared for dozens of malnourished and homeless children abandoned by their mothers -- and worse, including violence and death.
Pope says Vatican City will aim for net-zero carbon emissions
Pope Francis urged everyone to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet. "The time has come for a change in direction. Let us not rob the new generations of their hope in a better future."
Away with the manger? Vatican’s Nativity scene spurs controversy
People have a right to express their dislike of the untraditional Nativity scene at St. Peter's Square, said a priest who specializes in catechesis through art, but he encouraged a "more mature understanding of their faith."
In predominantly Christian Uganda, some still fear attacks
Millions of Christians in Uganda face persecution from radical Muslims and members of traditional African religions. In the country's decentralized government, one region has become a self-governed Shariah fiefdom.
After shipwreck, bishops denounce treatment of Venezuelan refugees
After a boat carrying refugees was denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago and subsequently shipwrecked, Venezuelan bishops said the deadly incident was a serious human rights violation.
Argentina’s lower house votes to allow abortion
Lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to decriminalize abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy Dec. 11, despite vocal opposition from the country's Catholic bishops.
Argentine bishops urge lawmakers to reflect ahead of abortion debate
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 40,000 lives in Argentina, and 50% live in poverty, as lawmakers "are thinking with selfishness of eliminating children" by legalizing abortion.
Some Australians say conversion therapy ban would harm religious freedom
If passed, the bill would criminalize practices to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is so broad that it would penalize any religious practice, including praying for such persons, and impose stiff penalties on homilists, teachers and parents.
Swiss bishops say ‘marriage equality’ proposal ignores rights of children
Switzerland's proposed law is an attempt to resolve "problems of discrimination by ignoring the differences" between a civil union and a marriage, said the country's bishops.