World News
Transcript shows pope’s distinction between gay marriage, civil unions
In his documentary "Francesco," director Evgeny Afineevsky presented statements as if Pope Francis had said them one after the other. The director used the quotes from a 2019 interview without their full context.
Pope warns Spanish prime minister of rise of nationalism, ideology
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, facing opposition from a far-right party, heard Pope Francis say that the ideological shift in today's European political climate risks something similar to the rise of Nazism in 1933.
Polish demonstrators disrupt Masses over court’s abortion ruling
A court's Oct. 22 decision underscoring a near-total ban on abortions in Poland "has caused unusually emotional reactions," said the president of Poland's bishops' conference, decrying protests in several cities.
Former spiritual adviser to Medjugorje visionaries excommunicated
The Vatican declared that a former Franciscan priest laicized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 had "incurred the penalty of excommunication." He had refused to cooperate in a probe of his activities for suspected heresy and schism.
Pope announces new cardinals, including U.S. Archbishop Gregory
Following his Oct. 25 Angelus address, Pope Francis named 13 clergy who will be elevated as cardinals Nov. 28, including the first African-American appointment.
Questions continue around film’s use of pope’s quote on civil unions
The controversial 20-second clip in "Francesco" appears to be a reedit, placing phrases the pope did say in his recent interview together in an order not found in the original.
COVID lockdowns on earth can open up prayers in purgatory
After many bishops asked for guidance as to how the faithful could perform requirements for receiving a plenary indulgence given the ongoing pandemic, the Vatican extended the time and opportunities.
Pope has history of defending marriage, but being open to some civil unions
"Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family," Pope Francis said in a brief portion of the new documentary, "Francesco."
Main character of film on Pope Francis, director says, is humanity
A new film on the pope shows that through his example even in a divided world, there are good things that bring people together. The pope affirmed in an interview that gay people "are children of God."
French bishops join Muslim leaders in condemning beheading of teacher
"The best bulwark against barbarism, fanaticism and terrorism remains fraternity, education and unity," said a joint declaration by the Catholic archbishop, Muslim imam and other religious leaders of Bordeaux.