world news
Argentina legalizes abortion during first 14 weeks of pregnancy
Argentina has legalized abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, despite strong Catholic opposition and polls showing deep divisions on the issue.
Church bells to ring Dec. 30 in honor of 336,000 lives lost to COVID-19
Churches will ring bells at noon Dec. 30, to remember and honor the more than 336,000 people who have died in the United States from COVID-19.
Vatican calls for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The Vatican’s coronavirus commission and the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a joint statement calling for a coordinated international effort to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.
‘Ad Patris domvm’: Famed Carmelite Latinist dies at 81
Discalced Carmelite Father Reginald Foster — a world-renowned teacher of Latin, former longtime Vatican Latinist and colorful character who intrigued journalists — died in Milwaukee Dec. 25 at the age of 81.
Pope announces yearlong reflection on family, ‘Amoris Laetitia’
As the fifth anniversary of his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” approaches, Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church will dedicate more than a year to focusing on the family and conjugal love.
Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all
On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.
Pope at Christmas: Jesus’ birth brings hope in troubling times
The birth of Christ is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times, Pope Francis said Christmas Eve.
Christmas ‘hijacked’ by consumerist mentality, pope says
While Christmas has become a universal holiday, even for many nonbelievers, its celebration always should focus on the reality that God sent his son into the world to save humanity, Pope Francis said.
Two Vatican cardinals test positive for COVID-19; one hospitalized
Two top Vatican officials — Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello — have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, Italian media reported, and a Vatican source confirmed.
Nativity light-sound show projected on U.S. cathedral called joyful, hopeful
The gentle and hopeful show came as the nation grapples with COVID-19, stark political divisions and racial tensions brought by the death of George Floyd.