Catholic News Service
God's commandments lead to freedom, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- Jesus wants his followers to move from a formal observance of God's commands to an interior acceptance of them and, in that way, to no longer be slaves to sin and selfishness, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis shares frustration with reaction to Amazon document
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that, like them, he is accused of not being courageous or not listening to the Holy Spirit when he says or does something someone disagrees with -- like not mentioning married priests in his document on the Amazon.
Cardinal Marx won't seek second term as president of German bishops
BONN, Germany -- Cardinal Reinhard Marx, 66, announced that at the full plenary session of the German bishops' conference in early March, he will not be a candidate for another term as president.
U.S. bishops ask Pope Francis about Amazon synod
VATICAN CITY -- Talking about debates, differences and discernment, Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops that people focused on the possibility of ordaining some married men and women deacons for service in the Amazon will be disappointed in his apostolic exhortation.
Lawmakers in Philippines move to legalize divorce
MANILA, Philippines -- A Philippine church official has expressed surprise over the speedy acceptance of a bill in the country's parliament that would legalize divorce.
Buffalo Diocese to close seminary
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Citing annual operating losses and declining enrollment, the Diocese of Buffalo announced it will close its seminary at the end of the academic year.
Terrorist attack in London condemned by local bishop
LONDON -- An archbishop has called a terrorist attack in London in which three people were stabbed "saddening and shocking."
Chinese government places restrictions on Christian funerals
HONG KONG -- Christian funerals outside of churches have been banned in some areas of China as the communist government begins to enforce new regulations on religious practices.
Germany's synodal assembly draws praise, criticism from participants
FRANKFURT, Germany -- The first synodal assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany drew both praise and some criticism, with many of the 230 participants lauding what they called a special atmosphere in the debates on key reforms.
BALTIMORE -- More than eight centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi and two companions randomly opened a prayer book three times inside their parish church of St. Nicolo in Italy.