See Christmas celebrated around the world through many different traditions.
International News
Pope to Abusers: ‘Submit to Human Justice, Prepare for Divine Justice’
Pope Francis on Friday directly addressed perpetrators of clerical sexual abuse, telling them to “convert and hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice.”
To Be Young and Catholic in Nicaragua Is Like A Crime
Even though an estimated 70 percent of Nicaragua’s six million people are Catholics, many in the country today nevertheless believe that being Catholic and young is virtually synonymous with being a criminal, or, at the very least, a potential enemy of the state.
Papal Preacher Will Lead US Bishops’ Retreat
For more than 38 years, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa has preached to the pope and top officials of the Roman Curia. In early January, he will lead the weeklong retreat of the U.S. bishops.
Indonesian Police, Muslim Youth To Guard Churches at Christmas
More than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will help guard nearly 50,000 churches across Indonesia, including some previously attacked by terrorists, during the Christmas period.
Death Penalty Is Lack of Mercy, Pope Says
The death penalty is an inhumane form of punishment that ignores the primacy of mercy in the name of justice, Pope Francis said.
Maligayang Pasko! A Philippines Tradition
Christmas trees are up, festive lights are strung across street corners, shopping center speakers play classic Christmas carols and nativity sets depicting the starry night in Bethlehem scene are on display. The reason for the season: Jesus.
Cairo Young Adults Spread Cheer Through the Gifts of Their Hands
In a small workshop, young people with special needs have been busy as elves preparing for Christmas by handcrafting candles and napkins that will decorate the tables of their neighbors in Egypt.
Pope Invokes New Set of Beatitudes for 21st Century Politicians
Pope Francis often refers to the biblical Beatitudes as a path in the pursuit of mercy and personal holiness. Yet perhaps recognizing that the Bible never could have imagined the politics of the 21st century, the pontiff invoked an entirely new set of beatitudes for politicians in his 2019 message for the World Day of Peace.
Why Ukraine Church’s Drive for Independence Matters to Rome
It would be tragic if, now that Ukraine appears to be on the brink of finally achieving a hard-won degree of independence, that achievement were to be marred by perceptions that it, too, was achieved with the help of force and political collusion.