Close to 200 bishops at the beginning of their ministries in dioceses and eparchies around the world met Pope Francis Sept. 19 at the end of a week of conferences.
International News
Trial Opens for Hong Kong’s Cardinal Zen
The trial against Chinese Cardinal Joseph Zen and five other defendants formally opened in Hong Kong on Sept. 19, initiating highly controversial proceedings that could end in heavy fines or jail time and which have been widely criticized as an attack against democracy.
Jesuit Refugee Service Launches Plan to Help Integrate Immigrants
About a year ago, Jesuit Refugee Services USA staff at the U.S.-Mexico border realized something about many migrants’ journeys: They needed as much help settling into their final destinations as they did when they first entered the country.
Pope: Under Right Conditions, Nations May Buy Weapons for Self-Defense
Under the right moral conditions, a country has the right to purchase weapons to defend itself from those who attack it, Pope Francis said.
Kazakh Church’s Strength is in Diversity, not in Numbers, Pope Says
The strength of the Catholic Church in Central Asia is measured not in numbers, but by the diversity of its people, Pope Francis said.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Faith Was ‘An Inspiration and an Anchor’
When then-Princess Elizabeth II turned 21 on April 21, 1947, she broadcasted a speech from Cape Town, South Africa, where she dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth, saying, “God help me make good on my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share it.”
Pope: Religions Must be Purified of Extremism, Self-Righteousness
As war, violence and extremism in countries around the world threaten the lives of countless men, women and children, religions must rise above differences and be examples of peace and harmony, Pope Francis said.
Only In Print: How a Catholic Priest Helped Mexico Win Its Independence From Spain
Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain began with the ringing of a church bell. Now, more than 200 years later, it is with the ringing of church bells that Mexican Independence Day is celebrated.
Arriving in Kazakhstan, Pope Makes Case for Peace
Arriving in Kazakhstan, a country that borders Russia, Pope Francis said he came as a “pilgrim of peace” at a time when “our world urgently needs peace; it needs to recover harmony.”
Like John Paul II, Pope Francis Heads to Kazakhstan During Time of War
Popes seem to have a habit of visiting Kazakhstan amid major crises and conflicts that risk fracturing regional stability and splintering its diverse religious and ethnic communities, and Pope Francis’ visit this week is no exception.