News/International
ROME -- The patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church pleaded for "immediate and lasting peace in northeastern Syria and the preservation of innocent lives, especially for Christians, who are the original and founding component of Syria."
Ecuador's president rolls back austerity measures that triggered protests
By Barbara J. Fraser, Catholic News ServiceROME -- Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno met with indigenous leaders and agreed to roll back austerity measures that had sparked 10 days of protests.
Papal tweet of support for 'Saints' goes viral
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- A hashtag mix-up caused a papal tweet meant to give thanks for the Catholic Church's newest saints to be read as Pope Francis showing support for the New Orleans Saints' football team.
Advocates implore Trump not to abandon Christians, Yazidis, Kurds in Syria
By Dale Gavlak, Catholic News ServiceAMMAN, Jordan -- Christians concerned with religious freedom violations resulting from the Turkish military offensive on northeastern Syria are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to "reconsider and reverse" his Oct. 6 decision to move American troops out of the way of a Turkish incursion.
More fetal remains found in connection with Indiana abortionist
By Catholic News ServiceINDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill released new details Oct. 9 about the discovery of additional fetal remains in Illinois that are believed to be linked with abortions performed in Indiana.
U.S. Supreme Court divided over protections for LGBT employees
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- On the second day of the Supreme Court's new term, a divided court Oct. 8 heard oral arguments from three cases concerning protections for gay, lesbian and transgender employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts.
Turkish planes bomb Syria, causing panic among Christians, others
By Dale Gavlak, Catholic News ServiceAMMAN, Jordan -- Turkish warplanes have begun attacking northeastern Syria, causing widespread panic among Christian and other religious communities caught up in the aerial bombardments.
Cardinal Sarah warns against opposing the pope
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, said the people who portray him as an opponent of Pope Francis are being used by the devil to help divide the church.
Haitian bishops call on president to step down amid riots
By Catholic News ServicePORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- As Port-au-Prince began its fourth week of paralysis due to serious social unrest, the Haitian bishops' justice and peace commission called on President Jovenel Moise to step down.
European bishops echo Pope Francis' call for 'new humanism'
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceOXFORD, England -- Europe's Catholic bishops urged their citizens to "wake up" and find new hope by rediscovering the continent's Christian roots.
Poll: Catholics want donations ethically invested
By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- Nearly nine in 10 Catholics surveyed said they want their donations to church institutions to be ethically invested and a majority of those responding voiced particular opposition to investments in companies that produce pornography, tobacco products and e-cigarettes, according to a new survey.