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News/International

People pray during a 2013 Mass in Qingdao, China. Catholic experts have warned that new rules on religion in China could severely hamper the church's work.

Catholics warn against new rules on religion in China

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WARSAW, Poland – Catholic experts warned that new rules on religion in China could severely hamper the church's work by curbing its foreign contacts and imposing heavy penalties for unauthorized activity.

Pope Francis and Greg Burke, the new Vatican spokesman, listen to a reporter's question about the U.S. presidential election aboard the pope's flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Rome Oct. 2.

When political choice is tough, pray and vote your conscience, says Pope on U.S. election

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ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM AZERBAIJAN – Catholics facing difficult political choices must study the issues, pray about the election and then vote according to their consciences, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis walks with Sheik Allahshukur Pashazade, the region's chief imam, during a meeting with representatives of other religious communities at the Heydar Aliyev mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 2.

Tolerance is good for society, the soul, Pope says at Azerbaijani mosque

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BAKU, Azerbaijan – As the spiritual leader of a tiny religious minority in Azerbaijan, Pope Francis told the leaders of the country's other religious communities that they share a responsibility to help people grow in faith, but also in tolerance for the faith of others.

Pope Francis gives the homily as he celebrates Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 2.

Pope encourages Azerbaijan's Catholics to be people of faith, service

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AKU, Azerbaijan – Catholics cannot "economize" when it comes to spending time in prayer with God and in service to other people, Pope Francis told members of Azerbaijan's tiny Catholic community.

Pope Francis greets the faithful as he arrives to celebrate Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 2.

Dialogue, respect for differences are key to progress, Pope says

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BAKU, Azerbaijan – Cooperation, peace and prosperity come when people know how to hold fast to their cultural and religious identities without ever denigrating or trying to deny the rights and identities of others, Pope Francis said.

A bridal party in a wedding in Nairobi, Kenya. Some churches in the country are demanding premarital HIV tests as a requirement for performing weddings.

Kenyan churches demand HIV test for couples wanting to marry

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NAIROBI, Kenya – Some Kenyan churches are demanding premarital HIV testing before weddings, a trend activists warn is infringing on the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Pope Francis speaks while meeting with Chaldean Catholics at the Church of St. Simon the Tanner in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 30.

Pope sees 'global war' against marriage, urges church help for couples

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TBILISI, Georgia – Pope Francis said a global war against marriage is underway and Catholics must respond by helping couples stay strong and by providing pastoral care to those experiencing difficulty.

A bathroom sign welcomes both genders at the Cacao Cinnamon coffee shop in Durham, N.C., on May 3, 2016.

Americans divide over transgender bathrooms and wedding services for gays

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When it comes to contraception, a clear majority of Americans say employers should be required to cover it in their health care plans — even if they have religious objections.

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Oct. 1.

Unity and division: Ecumenical realities on display at papal Mass in Georgia

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TBILISI, Georgia – At a papal Mass focused on two female saints, the longing for Christian unity and the painful reality of Christian division were strong undertones.

Pope Francis and Orthodox Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia arrive for a meeting at the patriarchal palace in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 30.

Pope, Georgian patriarch pledge to witness to Gospel as brothers

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TBILISI, Georgia – Paying honor to the steadfast faith of Orthodox Christians in Georgia, Pope Francis nevertheless urged them to draw closer to other Christians and work together to share the Gospel.

Pope Francis releases a dove after a meeting with Chaldean Catholics at the Church of St. Simon the Tanner in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 30.

With Chaldean Catholics, Pope prays for peace in Syria, Iraq

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TBILISI, Georgia – At a brief prayer service with Chaldean Catholics in Georgia, Pope Francis pleaded with God to grant peace to persecuted Christians and the victims of war, especially in Syria and Iraq.

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