world news
Pope makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic
With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.
Coronavirus leads to Mass suspension in Seattle, dispensation in Kentucky
The Archdiocese of Seattle became the first in the country to announce March 11 the temporary suspension of all public Masses to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Priest cites religious freedom violations in northern Nigeria
A priest who serves as director of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission in his diocese in northern Nigeria cited an ongoing series of religious freedom violations in his region of the country, which is majority Muslim.
Pope composes prayer to Mary during coronavirus pandemic
Here is a CNS translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video March 11 for a special Mass and act of prayer asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during of the coronavirus pandemic.
Outside Italy, European churches begin guidance to halt COVID-19 spread
Catholic churches across Europe are suspending the sign of peace during Mass in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Movie Review: ‘I Am Patrick’
The reasons the church continues to honor the Apostle of Ireland more than 1,500 years after his death shine forth in the film “I Am Patrick” (CBN), a docudrama screening in theaters for two nights only, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day — and March 18.
Pope urges priests to tend to sick, health care workers during epidemic
Pope Francis prayed that priests would find the courage to visit those who are sick and offer accompaniment to health care professionals and volunteers working during the coronavirus epidemic while also keeping themselves and others safe.
Vatican closes St. Peter’s Square, Basilica to tourists through April 3
In cooperation with Italian emergency measures, the Vatican has closed St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to tourists starting March 10 through April 3.
Vatican closes museums, beefs up measures to stop virus spread
The Vatican has instituted new measures and closures to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Pope chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod
Pope Francis has decided the next world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which will take place in October 2022, will have the theme: “For a synodal church: Communion, participation and mission.”