world news
U.S. ambassador to Holy See to step down in July
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Joe Donnelly will leave his post in July, the embassy announced.
With 6 in 10 priests aged 65-70 by 2030, Buffalo Diocese orders parish merger plan
In what increasingly represents a pattern in the Northeast and Midwest, the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., on May 28 announced a restructuring plan designed to merge approximately 34 percent of its 160 parishes.
Stories of conversion, ‘amazing’ encounters mark National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s first 10 days
Ten days into their journeys, the 23 perpetual pilgrims were in the Diocese of Victoria; the Diocese of Boise, Idaho; the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis; and the Diocese of Trenton, N.J.
Experts: Trump’s felony conviction is historic, with potential ramifications for U.S.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was found guilty on all 34 felony counts by a Manhattan jury agreeing unanimously that he falsified business records in paying hush money to an adult film actress in the closing days of the 2016 campaign.
Greensburg Diocese asks police to investigate possible cover-up of staff criminal record
A Pennsylvania diocese has asked police to investigate after parish staff — overseen by a beloved pastor — possibly concealed a now-former employee’s criminal record, which includes a recent arrest on charges involving sexual offenses against a minor, as well as charges dating back to 2001-2002 for lewdness, indecent exposure and drug possession.
Pope encourages young priests to rely on each other in times of crisis
The first years of priesthood are challenging, and the best way to survive and thrive is through closeness to God, to one’s bishop, one’s fellow priests and to one’s parishioners, Pope Francis told priests who have been ordained less than 10 years.
Diocese of Fresno to file for bankruptcy
Bishop Joseph V. Brennan said in a May 28 open letter that the Diocese of Fresno would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization “to address the substantial number of claims brought forth by victims collectively.”
‘Whoever welcomes a migrant welcomes Christ,’ pope says
Christians cannot share a vision that sees migrants as threats to society or as a cause for fear, Pope Francis said in a video meditation.
NASA scientist, Salvadoran-born bishop, podcasting priest among 2024 commencement speakers
Bishop Menjivar told the graduates that with their talents and their “great education” — which he called “the gift of a lifetime” — they “have what it takes to help bring about a world of truth, justice, solidarity and peace. When all is said and done, that is the measure of true success, and I urge you to never accept less.”
Euthanasia bill in France may be ‘the marker of the end of a society influenced by Christianity,’ expert says
French deputies began to work on the proposed “end of life” bill May 27, which, as it now stands, promises to be extremely permissive regarding euthanasia and medically assisted suicide.