The patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church pleaded for “immediate and lasting peace in northeastern Syria and the preservation of innocent lives, especially for Christians, who are the original and founding component of Syria.”
International News
Murder of Syrian Politician Highlights Risk for Minorities
When Hevrin Khalaf, a young Syrian politician and advocate on behalf of women and religious and ethnic minorities in Kurdistan, was murdered by a Turkish-backed fringe group on Saturday amid Turkey’s new offensive in Syria, her death sparked outcry from around the world.
Pope Calls for Peace in ‘Beloved and Martyred’ Syria after Turkish Incursion
Pope Francis on Oct. 13 appealed for the international community to work for peace in Syria, noting that Christian families are in the areas currently under attack by Turkish forces.
Banners Unfurled as Faithful Share Stories of Five Saints
The Vatican hung banners of the Catholic Church’s newly canonized saints four days before the Mass that officially recognized they are in heaven with God.
Synod Member, Weary of Married Priest Debate, Rues Getting Stuck in ’70s
Since Pope Francis announced a meeting of bishops on the Amazon two years ago, talk in the media and among some of the key organizers, such as Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, has been dominated by the possibility of ordaining married men as priests to serve isolated rural communities.
Turkish Planes Bomb Syria, Causing Panic Among Christians, Others
Turkish warplanes have begun attacking northeastern Syria, causing widespread panic among Christian and other religious communities caught up in the aerial bombardments.
Pope Signs Decrees in Cause for St. John Paul’s Mentor
Pope Francis recognized the miracle needed for the beatification of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, a mentor and friend of St. John Paul II.
U.N. Honors Catholic Activist Using Data to Fight Climate Change
Lesser known – but also enjoying Vatican backing and U.N. support – is the work of 29- year-old, Molly Burhans, who while initially discerning to be a nun, discovered that the Catholic Church is one of the world’s largest landowners and is now seeking to steward such property – and the data that goes with it – for the common good.
Pope to Cardinals: Loving, Loyal Service Requires Feeling God’s Love
In a ceremony to create 13 new cardinals, Pope Francis reminded new and old members of the College of Cardinals how much their ministry and service depends on their realizing how much God loves them and has been compassionate with them.
U.S. Church Leaders Weigh in on Amazon Synod Days Before it Opens
As the global Catholic Church turns its attention to the plight of indigenous people in the Amazon, a number of American groups have issued statements offering stark contrasts on the region.