News/International
After Philippine typhoon, neighbors pulled together to rebuild lives
By Simone Orendain, Catholic News ServiceTACLOBAN, Philippines - In the past year since Typhoon Haiyan tore through the central Philippines, small personal conflicts were ironed out as people pulled together to rebuild their lives.
Pope urges G-20 focus on helping the poor, says 'lives are at stake'
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - As world leaders prepared to meet in Australia to continue looking at ways to improve the global economy, Pope Francis asked them "not to forget that many lives are at stake" behind their discussions and decisions.
German church commemorates 25th anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceWARSAW, Poland - The president of the German bishops' conference praised Catholics who helped bring down the Berlin Wall, but also urged the church to look ahead to its future mission.
Filipinos continue to mourn loss of family, homes a year after typhoon
By Simone Orendain, Catholic News ServiceTACLOBAN, Philippines - The sun was fierce over the field of dried grass and clumps of earth marked with 3,000 small white crosses. Priests in white vestments walked along the rows of graves, sprinkling streams of holy water from plastic bottles.
Pope hails role of St. John Paul in Berlin Wall's fall
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said the sudden end to the division of Europe was prepared by the prayers and sacrifice of many people, including St. John Paul II.
When puppets meet Syrian refugees, healing begins for children
By Barb Fraze, Catholic News ServiceBEIRUT - Syrian children who have seen their houses bombed and family members killed are using string, glue, socks, beads and other odds and ends to help put their lives back together.
Backers of Tennessee abortion measure credit prayer, Church support for passage
By Andy Telli, Catholic News ServiceNASHVILLE, Tenn. - Supporters of Amendment 1 said the measure to restore Tennessee lawmakers' authority to regulate abortion passed Nov. 4 because of the backing by Catholic and other religious leaders and their churches.
Archbishop says Nigeria must find political will to stop Islamist militants
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic News ServiceMANCHESTER, England - The president of the Nigerian bishops' conference said his country's government could defeat the Boko Haram Islamist militant group if it could muster the same political will it found to fight Ebola.
Priest among five convicted of bishop's 2005 slaying in Kenya
By Francis Njuguna, Catholic News ServiceNAIROBI, Kenya - A Catholic priest was among five people found guilty and sentenced to death for the 2005 slaying of Italian Bishop Luigi Locati.
Church protests beating deaths of Pakistani Christian couple accused of blasphemy
By Catholic News ServiceTHRISSUR, India - Catholic leaders in Pakistan protested the Nov. 4 beatings and burning of a young Christian couple accused of desecrating the Quran.
Burkina Faso bishops urge return of civilian rule
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceOXFORD, England - Burkina Faso's Catholic bishops sent a "message of peace and hope" to the West African country after its 27-year president, Blaise Compaore, fled prompting a military takeover.