New legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives could be a “triumph for the tens of millions of children overseas whose potential is yet to be realized,” according to the U.S. bishops’ international development agency.
International News
Cardinal Parolin ‘Surprised’ by Pompeo’s China Rebuke, Says Article Wasn’t Right Venue
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, said Sept.30 he was “surprised” when his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, published a Sept. 18 article criticizing the pope for his position on China, saying it wasn’t the right venue for the discussion to take place.
Pope Chooses Theme for World Communications Day
Even when physical proximity is impossible, Catholic communicators can use the media to reach out to people, help them experience the closeness of the church and invite them to follow Jesus more closely, the Vatican said.
Vatican Proposes Renewal of Agreement With China on Bishops’ Appointments
The Vatican has proposed to the Chinese government that they extend an agreement signed in 2018 regarding the appointment of bishops, Vatican Media reported.
Church Leaders Condemn Anti-Christian Harassment in India
An over 100-foot high cross was removed from a hill behind a church in southern India by government officials, despite the protests of the parish priest.
Return to Mass a Concern for European Bishops in COVID Aftermath
Over the weekend, the heads of European bishops’ conferences held a virtual pow-wow to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on both the Church and society, highlighting new forms of poverty and reduced numbers at Sunday Masses as key areas of concern.
Time Honors Uighur American; House Bans Imports Made by Forced Uighur Labor
Nury Turkel, a Uighur American on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, who is a human rights advocate for Uighur Muslims and others persecuted for their religious faith, made Time magazine’s 2020 list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Pope Francis Prays for Migrants, as 200 More Die at Sea
On Sept. 27, Pope Francis marked the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, asking the world to pray for those forced to flee their homes at the close of a deadly week in which around 200 migrants seeking entry into Europe drowned in the Mediterranean.
Pope Francis Calls for Global Unity, Service During Second Address to U.N. General Assembly
On Sept. 25, Pope Francis addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the second time during his pontificate.
Pope Francis’ Video Message on 75th Session of U.N. General Assembly
Click to read the full transcript of Pope Francis’ Sept. 25 address to the United Nations General Assembly.