World News
Pope, religious leaders pray for peace, greater care for one another
Urging "moderating the language of politics and propaganda, and developing true paths of peace," Pope Francis joined an international array of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist leaders Oct. 20.
Church in Vietnam struggles to help those affected by major floods
Two dioceses in central Vietnam hit by the worst floods in the country's history are providing emergency aid for hundreds of thousands of victims in more than 200 inundated villages.
Demonstrators burn two churches in Chile on anniversary of protests
Gatherings across the country Oct. 18 began peaceful but unrest broke out late in the day, with some protesters vandalizing parishes in Santiago, the capital. One vandalized church has supported the national police force which is seen as using repressive tactics.
Vatican reports positive coronavirus case at pope’s residence
The person, who is asymptomatic, was placed in isolation as well as "those who came into contact with him," and has temporarily left the residence. The report follows a spike in cases among the Swiss Guards, and in Italy in general.
As refugees increase, German Catholics work to include Eastern Catholics
Germany's bishops have pledged to improve the integration of Eastern Catholics in the predominant Latin-rite church, as part of plans to help migrants and refugees. Germany has 1.77 million refugees and 450,000 asylum-seekers.
Pope accepts resignation of bishop accused of failing to act on abuse
The failure of Polish Bishop Edward Janiak to act when told about allegations of child sexual abuse perpetrated by a diocesan priest, and repeatedly transferring him, drew a public outcry following the release of a documentary film.
Hate speech, rowdy convoys: Minority Armenians in Turkey feel targeted
Anti-Armenian sentiment is rising in Turkey as conflict rages in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey's military is supporting Azerbaijan in the conflict against Armenia.
Vatican gathers ambassadors to hear what is happening in Syria
In an extraordinary move, the Vatican invited diplomats accredited to the Holy See from around the world to meet with the nuncio to Syria and be reminded of the humanitarian crisis there.
All men, women, children ‘bear burden’ of climate change, says nuncio
Protecting "our common home" is "one of the most urgent demands of our time," said the Vatican's delegate to the United Nations, and "it requires the unified response of the international community" and "requires us to think in terms of one world with a common project."
Freed missionary priest recounts harrowing tale of kidnapping
With his feet chained during two years of captivity somewhere near the Sahara Desert, Father Pierluigi Maccalli said he found new hope on Pentecost Sunday as he huddled near a shortwave radio to listen to Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.