Prevented by war from meeting in Kyiv, 40 Ukrainian Catholic bishops from around the world met in Poland, less than 10 miles from the border with their homeland, in early July.
International News
Pope Francis Speaks on U.S. Gun Violence, Abortion Debate, Retirement Rumors
U.S. President Joe Biden should consult with his bishop or parish priest about his stance on abortion, Pope Francis said, adding that the primary concern of bishops should be pastoral care.
Busy Schedule Hints that Pope Francis Isn’t Winding Down, He’s Cranking Up
For months, rumors have circulated that Pope Francis could be set to resign later this summer, at least in part due to his ongoing health struggles. However, comments from both Pope Francis and his top aides suggest that rather than winding down, his schedule is actually picking up.
European Bishops Hit Back Against Resolution on Abortion
Europe’s top body of bishops has condemned the European Parliament’s favorable vote Thursday, July 7, on a resolution calling for access to abortion to be included in the E.U. Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Pope Francis To Visit Assisi, Matera in September
Pope Francis will make back-to-back pastoral visits to the Italian cities of Assisi and Matera at the end of September, the Vatican announced.
Tokyo Archbishop Condemns Political Violence After Former Japanese PM Assassinated
After a gunman fatally shot former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign rally in western Japan on Friday, July 8, Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo lamented that “violence kills democracy.”
Pope Francis’ Envoy Welcomed By Faithful in South Sudan
Hundreds of people greeted Pope Francis’ envoy to South Sudan’s capital on July 5. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was received by religious leaders, government officials, and hundreds of guests who sang and danced upon his arrival.
Pope Francis Says He’ll Add Women to Dicastery for Bishops
Pope Francis said he plans to name two women to the committee that helps him choose bishops for the world’s Latin-rite dioceses.
In New Interview, Pope Francis Talks About Roe v Wade, Resignation Rumors
In a wide-ranging interview with Reuters, Pope Francis addressed several hot-button topics, including his health and resignation rumors, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States.
Despite Skipping Trip, Pope Francis Urges Congo to Choose Peace Over Revenge
In a Mass celebrated for the Congolese community in Rome, Pope Francis urged citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to let go of hatred and resentment over current violence and past wrongs, and to choose peace instead.