The teachings of Pope Francis are generating a new buzz in Latin America as the region gears up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the election of one of its own as bishop of Rome and leader of the world’s more than 1.3 billion Catholics.
International News
Church Leaders in Jerusalem Call for Calm Amid Fresh Wave of Violence
With rising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians reaching new heights over the past week amid a spate of fresh killings, Church leaders in the West Bank have condemned the violence and called for a lasting resolution that respects international law.
10 Years of the Pope Francis Papacy in Broad Strokes
On practically every issue of modern importance — from personal conversion to nationalist populism to the fragility of democracy, the abuse crisis, and the marginalized — Pope Francis has had something to say during his 10 years in office.
Energy Department Concludes China Lab Leak to Blame for COVID
The U.S. Department of Energy now believes the COVID-19 global pandemic most likely came from a laboratory leak in China, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Scores of Migrants Killed in Shipwreck Off Coast of Italy
At least 63 migrants died Feb. 26 when the wooden boat carrying them — in a storm with high waves and strong winds — broke apart after crashing against rocks along the coast of Calabria in southern Italy.
Turkey’s Initial Earthquake Response Hindered by Censorship
As the initial rescue work in Turkey and Syria shifts to recovery and clean up following the Feb. 6 earthquakes that killed more than 41,000 people, many are criticizing the Turkish government not only for its unsafe buildings but also for its lack of a coordinated rescue response that included a 12-hour shutdown of Twitter.
Only in Print: ‘Jesus Mafa’ Paintings Share Gospel, Depict Jesus as Black Man
When one searches “Jesus Mafa,” scenes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ materialize on a computer screen.
Church Members Raising $50,000 to Buy Wheelchairs for Ukrainian Orphans
As the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approached on Feb. 24, a group of Ukrainian Americans opened their hearts to disabled orphans forced to flee their homeland when the fighting started.
Ukrainian Catholics Hail Biden’s Surprise Visit to Kyiv for Bravery, ‘Amazing Boost of Hope’
U.S. President Joe Biden’s unexpected Feb. 20 visit to Kyiv, calmly walking alongside Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as air raid sirens wailed in the capital, is being hailed as a surprise and a signal to the world, Ukrainian Catholic leaders told OSV News.
Analysis: Pondering ‘Cardinals Who Aren’t’ And The Politics of The Next Conclave
Vatican-watchers love to speculate about the next pope, and the recent death of Pope Benedict XVI was a reminder to pundits everywhere to make sure their handicapping lists are up to date. As the conversation stands today, perhaps the hardest question to answer is who the “opposition” candidates are.