News/International

AMMAN, Jordan - A Catholic official warned that funding will soon run out to feed and house thousands of Iraqi Christians sheltering in Jordan after being made homeless by Islamic State militants.

Belgian bishop says Church should bless same-sex couples

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A Belgian bishop who has been touted as a future leader of that country’s Catholic hierarchy is making waves by urging the Church to find ways to recognize gay relationships in which “exclusivity, loyalty and care are central to each other.”

Pope meets leaders of Yezidi community facing Islamic State persecution

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VATICAN CITY - In his appeals for an end to the persecution of minorities in Syria and Iraq, Pope Francis often has mentioned both the Christians and the Yezidis attacked by Islamic State fighters.

Pope offers Mass for victims of Paris attack

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VATICAN CITY - The morning after 12 people were shot to death and 11 others injured at the Paris office of a satirical weekly newspaper, Pope Francis dedicated his early morning Mass to the victims and their families.

Pope Francis in Asia to promote reconciliation, recovery

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VATICAN CITY - Interreligious reconciliation and recovery from natural disaster will be major themes of Pope Francis' Jan. 13-18 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, according to the Vatican spokesman.

Persecution of Christians reached historic levels in 2014. Will 2015 be worse?

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From imprisonment to torture to beheadings, more Christians worldwide live in fear for their lives than at any time in the modern era.

Pope issues 'firmest condemnation' of killings at French weekly

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis condemned the killings of at least 12 people at the Paris offices of a satirical weekly newspaper Jan. 7 and denounced all "physical and moral" obstacles to the peaceful co-existence of nations, religions and cultures.

Vatican sending $3.5 million to help Church response to Ebola

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VATICAN CITY - The Vatican is helping Catholic dioceses and agencies step up the fight against Ebola and is urging other donors to help.

Cardinal Burke: ‘Feminized’ Church, altar girls caused priest shortage

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Cardinal Raymond Burke, a senior American churchman in Rome who has been one of the most outspoken critics of Pope Francis’ push for reform, is roiling the waters yet again, this time arguing that the Catholic Church has become too “feminized.”

Christian clergy visit Jordanian family of captured Muslim pilot

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AY, Jordan - Christian clergy led by the Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem visited the family of the Muslim Jordanian pilot captured by Islamic State and expressed support and continued prayers.

Florida bishops disappointed with court rulings on same-sex marriage

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's Catholic bishops said they were disappointed by a U.S. federal judge's ruling striking down the state's ban of same-sex marriage as well as with higher courts that denied a stay of the decision.