The death penalty is an inhumane form of punishment that ignores the primacy of mercy in the name of justice, Pope Francis said.
International News
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.
Cardinal Pell Found Guilty of Sex Abuse
In one of the most closely watched trials in modern Catholic Church history, Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Church official to stand trial for sexual abuse, was found guilty on Tuesday by a Melbourne Court.
Strasbourg Bishop Speaks of ‘Lucid Madness’ After Terror Attack
The day after a shooter opened fire on a crowd in Strasbourg, France, killing at least two and injuring 12 others, Strasbourg Archbishop Luc Ravel issue a statement lamenting the tragedy.
New Body to Oversee Global Charismatic Renewal Activities
At the request of Pope Francis, the Vatican has established a new body to oversee the global Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which launched Dec. 8, creating a single group in Rome for a movement almost defined by its lack of most official structures.
African Bishops Discuss Illegal Migration From the Continent
Bishops in Africa say they need to work together to mitigate the risks of illegal immigration.
Christian, Muslim Young People Spread Pre-Christmas Cheer
On a gloomy, rainy Saturday morning in Beirut, 92-year-old Julia enthusiastically greeted her visitors, Christian and Muslim youth, who had come to set up a Christmas tree in her modest apartment.