Christian joy is neither a passing emotion nor an optimistic worldview but a sign of holiness that bears witness to God’s love, even in the direst circumstances, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.
International News
Churches Prepare to Mark Nov. 7 Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Christians of different denominations will participate in the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for persecuted Christians. It will yet be another opportunity to intercede on behalf of the estimated 260 million believers around the world who are experiencing high to extreme forms of persecution due to their faith.
Pope, President Biden Hold Unusually Long Meeting at Vatican
In one of his most keenly anticipated meetings since taking office in January, President Joe Biden met with Pope Francis at the Vatican Friday for a lengthy conversation that touched on a variety of issues of shared interest.
Vatican Extends Traditional All Souls’ Day Indulgences
With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and with restrictions on gatherings still in place in some countries, the Vatican has again extended the period of time when people can earn a plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the souls of the faithful in purgatory.
Christians Targeted in Turkey’s Strategy of Syria Displacements
There appears to be no end in sight for the suffering of Christians in North Syria, as Turkey and its allies in the region continue military escalation and bombardment, pushing remaining Christians to flee and preventing others from returning to their homes and properties.
Families in South Sudan Benefit From Church Aid Following Floods
Forty-year-old Chol Garang and his wife Anok Deng, 33, sit on a woven mat outside their new home in Malakal, South Sudan’s second largest city, waiting for rice donated by the church to cook for their children.
Francis-Biden Meeting Just Latest in Long History of Pope-U.S. President Encounters
Upon arriving in Rome to take part in this weekend’s G20 meeting, United States President Joe Biden will pay a visit to Pope Francis. They have met three times before, both in Rome and on American soil, but this will be the first time they share facetime since the U.S. elected its second Catholic president last November.
Immigration Advocates Hope Biden-Francis Meeting Inspires Change to U.S. Policy
When President Joe Biden and Pope Francis meet on Friday, some U.S. immigration advocates hope the pontiff can plant seeds for change in U.S. immigration policy.
Pope May Go to Canada as Part of Reconciliation Process, Vatican Says
Pope Francis is willing to travel to Canada as part of “the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” the Vatican press office said.
Texas Bishop Urges Biden ‘to Act Immediately’ to End ‘Remain in Mexico’
The Biden administration must issue an immediate termination of the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz said Oct. 25.