News/International
SHREWSBURY, England -- A former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II is to be received into the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis accepts resignation of nuncio to France accused of misconduct
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the nuncio to France, who has been under investigation for sexual misconduct in France and in Canada.
Following election, U.K. bishop urges vigilance on issues
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic News ServiceMANCHESTER, England -- A British bishop said he was relieved by the election defeat of political parties committed to liberalizing Britain's abortion laws, but he was "not particularly enthused" by the Conservative Party agenda. A British cardinal called for a fresh start "in more ways than politics."
Faith groups praise Australia's religious discrimination legislation
By Catholic News ServiceCANBERRA, Australia -- The Australian government has released its second "exposure draft" of its religious discrimination legislation, winning widespread praise from faith groups, including the Catholic bishops, following changes to the original legislation released in October.
Fire destroys New Jersey church; suspected arsonist arrested
By Catholic News ServiceFRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. -- After a fire destroyed Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes in the early hours of Dec. 11, the suspected arsonist was arrested. He was receiving burn treatment at a local hospital prior to his court hearing.
Students kept safe in N.J. Catholic school during nearby gun battle
By Catholic News ServiceJERSEY CITY, N.J. (CNS) -- Sacred Heart Catholic School in Jersey City reopened Dec. 12, with a heavy police presence outside, two days after deadly gun battle took place at a kosher supermarket across the street from the school.
McCarrick abuse survivor sues Vatican
By Catholic News ServiceNEW YORK -- John Bellocchio, 37, who claims former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick abused him when he was a teenager, announced at a Dec. 9 news conference the he is suing the Vatican and demanding "sweeping child protection changes."
Guards attacked at national shrine in D.C.
By Rhina Guidos, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- Washington authorities apprehended a suspect in an incident involving an attack Dec. 10 against two security guards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Marian shrine in the United States, at the height of its busiest season.
German Catholics complete final preparations for 'synodal way'
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceOXFORD, England -- German Catholics insisted their national "synodal way" reform consultation will have an impact on the church worldwide, as final preparations were completed for the consultation's first plenary in January.
Catholics urged to pray novena for Archbishop Sheen's beatification
By Catholic News ServicePEORIA, Ill. -- Supporters of the canonization cause for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen have been invited to take part in a novena starting Dec. 12 to "petition God unceasingly to remove all obstacles" for the beatification of the media pioneer, author and evangelist.
Catholic entities step up to help Venezuelan refugees get jobs in Brazil
By Lise Alves, Catholic News ServiceSALVADOR, Brazil -- Over the past few years, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have fled their economically stricken and politically volatile country. Many have crossed over the border into Brazil and Colombia seeking a better life.