In the age of instant communications and fake news, journalists — like everyone else — need to recover the practice of going out and verifying information before they share it, Pope Francis said.
International News
Salvadoran Archbishop Refuses to Open Records on El Mozote Massacre
The head of the Archdiocese of San Salvador refused to allow a judge access to church records on one of the largest modern-day massacres in Latin America, saying in a Jan. 17 news conference that he’s simply protecting victims.
Pope Francis Prays Biden Works to Heal Divisions, Promote Human Dignity
Pope Francis prayed that President Joe Biden would work to heal the divisions in U.S. society and promote human dignity and peace around the globe.
‘For the Love of God, Send Us Oxygen,’ Plead Bishops in Brazil’s Amazon
With the news that dozens of people were suffocating to death due to a lack of oxygen in hospitals in the Amazon city of Manaus, Catholic bishops made a plea for the supply of an essential element for survival.
Deadly Week Sees at Least 10 Bishops Die from COVID-19
A South African who’d been tapped by Pope Francis to replace Cardinal Wilfried Napier as archbishop of Durban died on Sunday Jan. 17 of COVID-19.
Pope Francis Blesses NBA Jersey Honoring Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Pope Francis now has his own special edition Atlanta Hawks basketball jersey, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The team will also wear the 2021 MLK Nike City Edition jerseys for Monday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of their commitment to those values.
Vatican Financial Is Reform Going in the Right Direction, Cardinal Pell Says
Australian Cardinal George Pell, formerly the Vatican’s top official on financial affairs, said he believes the pope’s recent reforms signal progress, and called for additional competent laypeople to be involved in the process.
Papal Trip to Argentina, Uruguay Still on the Table, Pope Francis Tells Ambassador
Pope Francis told Uruguay’s new ambassador to the Holy See that a future visit to the country as well as to his native Argentina is still very much on the table.
Motivated by Faith, Catholic Scientists Look Beyond Earth’s Galaxy
After an unexpected 2020, this year began with Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn’s conjunction — a nighttime view akin to the North Star that led the Magi to the Baby Jesus. For some, the sight was a reminder of just how beautiful God’s creation is, even in the most difficult times.
Catholic Advocates Welcome Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Coming Into Force
A Holy See-supported treaty banning the possession of nuclear weapons that is coming into force is buoying efforts by nations and nonprofit and church organizations working to abolish such armaments.