Pope Francis appealed to South Sudan leaders to “lower the tension in the country” as Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan expressed alarm at the escalating violence in the world’s youngest nation and warned of a catastrophe if full-scale war returns.
World News
St. John Paul II drives cause of freedom for humankind 20 years after death, say world leaders
As the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s death approached April 2, top world leaders and thinkers gathered in Poznan, Poland, to discuss his legacy.
Pope stable; his lung infection slightly improved, Vatican says
Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, and an X-ray showed there has been a slight improvement regarding his lingering lung infection, the Vatican press office said.
Christian joy is trusting in God in every situation, pope writes
Christian joy is for everyone, not just for a privileged few, Pope Francis wrote.
God’s mercy, forgiveness pave the path toward hope, pope writes
God’s forgiveness is the source of hope for the faithful, Pope Francis wrote.
Supreme Court hears Catholic agency’s case seeking religious exemption to state program
The U.S. Supreme Court on March 31 heard oral arguments in a case from the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, in which the agency argued that a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court discounted its religious identity.
Myanmar death toll surpasses 2,000; cardinal calls for immediate ceasefire amid tragedy
People in Myanmar are in desperate need of humanitarian supplies and medical support as the death toll from the devastating earthquake that rocked central Myanmar March 28 continues to rise.
Archbishop Lucas of Omaha retires; bishop of Belleville, Ill., succeeds him
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George J. Lucas, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb., and has appointed Bishop Michael G. McGovern of Belleville, Ill., as his successor.
Pope clears way for three new saints, including first woman from Venezuela
Pope Francis has cleared the way for the canonizations of three blesseds: an Armenian Catholic archbishop martyred during the Armenian genocide, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea killed during World War II and a Venezuelan religious sister who dedicated her life to education and the poor.
Lourdes bishop covering Father Rupnik’s mosaics on sanctuary’s basilica doors
Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes has decided to cover mosaics by Father Marko Rupnik at the entrance of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a move aimed at making the basilica more welcoming for all, particularly victims of abuse.
Pope continues to govern the church, says Vatican secretary of state
Even on his worst days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis was governing the Catholic Church, although on some days, he did not seem to have the energy to sign his full name, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Pope to Jubilee pilgrims: God acts even when we do not see the results
Pope Francis encouraged pilgrim groups visiting Rome for the Holy Year to be witnesses of hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, especially in moments of discouragement.