With the birth of Jesus, God became flesh to share the joys and sorrows, hopes and fears of all people, especially the poor and those living daily amid danger, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message.
International News
Christmas In Ukraine: Power Outages, Air Raid Sirens, Economic Turmoil … But Also Hope
Ukrainians facing their first Christmas at war with Russia are coping with frequent electricity outages, spotty cell phone service — and the worrisome sound of air raid sirens. Through it all, they cling to the hope that the light Jesus Christ brought into a dark world will shine on them.
Pandemic-Era Border Policy Allowed to Stay in Place For Now
Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily stopped the Biden administration from ending a pandemic-related border restriction with a one-page order Dec. 19.
Pope Reveals He Prepared Resignation Letter in Case of Impairment
Pope Francis said he wrote a resignation letter in 2013, his first year in office, to be used in case he became physically or mentally impaired and unable to fulfill the duties of the papacy.
Pope Advances Sainthood Causes, Including First ‘Martyr’ of Charity
Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of members of a Polish family who were sheltering a Jewish family during World War II, and, for the first time, advanced the sainthood cause of a candidate under the category of heroically offering his life out of loving service to others.
Retired Custodian of Shroud of Turin, Italian Cardinal Dies at 89
Cardinal Severino Poletto, the retired archbishop of Turin and former papal custodian of the Shroud of Turin, died Dec. 17 at the age of 89.
Kids Help Pope Celebrate 86th Birthday With Cake, Circus Performers
The day after he turned 86, Pope Francis met with volunteers, family members and children receiving care from a Vatican pediatric clinic.
Celebrate Christmas ‘With Ukraine In Your Hearts,’ Pope Says, Urging Aid
Celebrating Christmas is important and beautiful, Pope Francis said, but he asked people to spend less on their celebrations this year and donate the savings to help the people of Ukraine.
Bishop Charged With Conspiracy to Undermine Nicaragua, Spread False News
A Nicaraguan bishop held for nearly four months was formally charged during an unannounced Dec. 13 court date, marking his first appearance since being detained.
As Immigration Politics Play Out, Catholics at the Border Focus on People
While hoping for the best amid an appeal by the Biden administration of a district judge’s decision to end a controversial Trump-era measure allowing immediate expulsion of immigrants, advocates for new arrivals along the U.S.-Mexico border say their focus remains on the migrants they encounter.