News/International

Asked to reminisce about his life and where he was at key moments in history, the 87-year-old Pope Francis obliged, but also used the opportunity to talk about the lessons the events hold today and his hope for the future.

Egyptian Catholic clergy say interreligious ties are being derailed by 'Fiducia'

By

Catholic clergy from Egypt have warned that ties with Orthodox and Islamic leaders are being derailed by a Vatican decision to allow the blessing of same-sex couples, after the country's influential Coptic Orthodox Church suspended dialogue over the issue.

Ukraine has ‘no choice but to defend’ itself: bishops

By

Ukraine’s Greek Catholic bishops, led by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, have said their nation will continue to fight Russian aggression, “notwithstanding the suggestions for (the) need for negotiations coming from representatives of different countries, including the Holy Father himself.”

Irish voters resoundingly reject proposals to redefine family, undermine motherhood

By

The Irish prime minister, known as the Taoiseach, has conceded that his government was defeated "comprehensively" when voters rejected amendments to the constitution that the country's bishops warned would have weakened supports for marriage and undermined motherhood.

French bishops call for fasting, prayer as abortion is enshrined in country's constitution

By

French bishops called for fasting and prayer as abortion was enshrined in the constitution by an overwhelming 780-72 vote, accompanied by a standing ovation when the result was announced as the parliament met in Versailles.

Pope has full day of appointments after going to hospital for tests

By

The day after Pope Francis paid a brief visit to Rome's Gemelli Isola Hospital for "diagnostic tests," he had a full morning of audiences, including a meeting with bishops from Italy's Emilia Romagna region making their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican.

After Burkina Faso attacks, pope calls for respect of places of worship

By

After deadly attacks killed 15 people at a Catholic church and dozens more at a mosque in Burkina Faso, Pope Francis said places of worship must be respected.

Priest, 6 religious brothers, lay teacher kidnapped in Haiti in another wave of violence

By

As the wave of violence torments gang-decimated Haiti, six male religious, a lay teacher and a priest were kidnapped in two separate incidents Feb. 23 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

After meeting with Masons, bishop reaffirms Catholics cannot join

By

After participating in a seminar on the Catholic Church and the Freemasons, an Italian bishop reaffirmed that Catholics who belong to Masonic lodges are in a "serious state of sin" and cannot receive Communion.

At least 15 Catholics dead in attack during Mass in Burkina Faso

By

At least 15 people were killed in an attack by gunmen on Catholics gathered for Sunday Mass in a Burkina Faso village Feb. 25, according to multiple news reports.

Sister keeps faith, hope alive in Africa

By

Once described as the “heart of darkness” by Polish-English author Joseph Conrad, Africa, despite its undeniable challenges, is now considered a continent of hope for the Catholic Church.