News/International
VATICAN CITY -- After nearly two weeks of massive protests in the fallout of scandals involving corruption and offensive private messages, Gov. Ricardo Rossello of Puerto Rico resigned from office, becoming the first governor to do so in the island's history.
Polish bishop criticizes anti-LGBT protesters
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceWARSAW, Poland -- A Polish archbishop has condemned attacks on a gay pride rally by protesters claiming to be defending his cathedral.
After new reports on German choir abuses, bishop vows to boost prevention
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceWARSAW, Poland -- A German bishop has vowed to intensify "preventive measures" after two church-sponsored reports confirmed systemic violence and abuse at his diocese's cathedral schools between 1945 and 1995, including 30 years when their famous choir was run by Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, brother of retired Pope Benedict XVI.
Bishops protest UK ‘hijacking’
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic News ServiceMANCHESTER, England -- Four Irish bishops said abortion and same-sex marriage is about to be imposed on Northern Ireland after British politicians “hijacked” a bill intended for other purposes.
'World of faith under siege,' threats are growing
By Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- The world is "filled with people in need," including the unborn, trafficking victims, those "suffering the agonies of addiction and abuse, people with disabilities and still others facing famine and disease, said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey.
Car accident uncovers priest's 'prolonged history of theft'
By Catholic News ServiceSANTA ROSA, Calif. -- Bishop Robert F. Vasa informed the Santa Rosa Diocese July 22 that a local pastor was recovering well from surgery for injuries he sustained in a car accident, but he also had to announce the incident had uncovered the priest's "prolonged history of theft."
New Damascus archbishop eager to give hope to tired faithful
By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News ServiceBEIRUT -- After eight years of war, the faithful in Damascus, Syria, are "so tired," said their new bishop, Syriac Catholic Archbishop John Jihad Battah. Nevertheless, he is returning to his birthplace with enthusiasm.
Philippine bishops charged with sedition
By Catholic News ServiceMANILA, Philippines -- Philippine church leaders said the filing of sedition charges against four Catholic bishops, three priests, and several government critics are "beyond belief."
Wen's firing said to show abortion is Planned Parenthood priority
By Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- Following the news Dr. Leana Wen was fired by Planned Parenthood as its president, several pro-life leaders remarked that the organization was upset the physician had emphasized the need to expand Planned Parenthood services beyond abortion.
Mobs have killed 70 accused of blasphemy in Pakistan
By Mark Pattison, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- Despite the blasphemy law that has roiled Christians in Pakistan, the government has not executed anyone found guilty at trial.
Bishop: Italian doctors should get chance to help 5-year-old London girl
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic News ServiceMANCHESTER, England -- Italian medics should be given a chance to help a London girl who British doctors believe should die, a bishop said.