News/International
SYDNEY - The Vatican's Prefect for the Secretariat of the Economy, Cardinal George Pell, told a special hearing of Australia's Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that he was not trying "to defend the indefensible."
St. Louis archbishop pushes for switch to Girl Scout alternatives
By Jennifer Brinker, Catholic News ServiceST. LOUIS - The Archdiocese of St. Louis has formed a new Catholic Committee for Girls Formation that is being charged with ministry to all girls in the archdiocese.
Ministry in Aleppo is about keeping hope alive
By Gaby Maniscalco, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Even in the midst of constant bombing, Jesuit and Salesian priests remain in war-torn Aleppo, Syria, trying to create a sense of normalcy for those unable to leave.
Italian Senate passes civil unions bill
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceROME - After months of public debate and protests, the Italian Senate passed a controversial bill that grants legal recognition to non-married heterosexual and homosexual couples.
Businessman arrested in Ponzi scheme that police say priest abetted
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceROME - Police in Spain have arrested a fugitive businessman accused of swindling pensioners from the U.S. and elsewhere out of millions of euros with the backing of a Catholic priest who worked at the Vatican before retiring to the Canary Islands.
Western Hemisphere bishops seek ways to boost 'encounter with Christ'
By Catholic News ServiceTAMPA, Fla. - Fourteen bishops from Canada, the United States and Latin America explored ways to invite the faithful into what Pope Francis has called "an encounter with Jesus Christ" during three days of prayer and discussion.
Disease, cold add to suffering of Mozambicans who fled to Malawi
By Bronwen Dachs, Catholic News ServiceCAPE TOWN, South Africa - Malaria and cold nights add to the suffering of the increasing number of Mozambicans arriving at a makeshift camp in Malawi to escape violence at home, said a church worker in Malawi.
Plan to close Guantanamo leaves unanswered questions for advocates
By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - As U.S. President Barack Obama offered a long-awaited plan to close the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, organizations advocating for the closure welcomed the news and called for an end of the policy of holding remaining detainees without charges.
Bishop Bradley decries shootings in Kalamazoo, Michigan, prays for victims
By Catholic News ServiceKALAMAZOO, Mich. - Expressing shock and sadness, Bishop Paul J. Bradley of Kalamazoo offered prayers for the six people who were killed and two others who were injured by a gunman in the western Michigan city.
Philippine nuns, priests say role in revolution affected their faith
By Simone Orendain, Catholic News ServiceMANILA, Philippines - Religious and clergy in the Philippines say their experiences in the People Power Revolution 30 years ago have had a lasting impact on their faith and vocations.
Cardinal Pell calls for inquiry into press leaks accusing him of abuse
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Australian Cardinal George Pell called for an inquiry into the leaking of accusations that he is under police investigation for the alleged abuse of minors.