The funeral procession of toddler Alfie Evans passes near Everton’s stadium in Liverpool, England, May 14. The 23-month-old boy, who suffered a severe degenerative neurological condition, died April 28, some 10 days after his father, Tom Evans, had asked Pope Francis to help get him to Rome for treatment.
International News
World’s Top High Jumper Has Low-Profile Meeting with Pope
Despite holding the world record in the high jump, Javier Sotomayor kept his feet on the ground and didn’t try to clear the waist-high wooden barricade between him and Pope Francis.
Prayers in Jerusalem as Violence Follows Move of US Embassy
As the world witnesses “another outburst of hatred and violence, which is once again bleeding all over the Holy Land,” the head of Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarchate called for prayers for peace.
Churchgoers Are Killed By Indonesian Terrorists
Christian leaders called for unity following a spate of suicide bombings that targeted three churches, an apartment building and the police headquarters in Indonesia’s second city, the deadliest attacks in more than a decade.
Pope Warns Of a Selfie Culture
While taking selfies can be an occasion to capture treasured memories, it can also be a sign that young men and women are deprived of meaningful human interaction with others, Pope Francis said.
British Gov’t Will Not Change Its Cap on Catholic ‘Free’ Schools
English bishops say the British government betrayed voters by refusing to change a rule they say keeps them from opening new Catholic “free schools.”
Pope Asks German Bishops to Come to Consensus Over Interfaith Communion
Pope Francis asked the bishops of Germany to continue working together to find broader consensus on guidelines for allowing a Protestant married to a Catholic to receive the Eucharist.
Bishops in Nicaragua Hope To Calm Unrest in Nation
The bishops’ conference of Nicaragua has accepted an invitation to mediate talks aimed at calming the Central American country, which has been roiled by protests over proposed changes to the national social security system and discontent with an increasingly authoritarian government.
Pope Francis Seeks Deeper Reflection on Role of Women
Pope Francis has updated the statutes of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, adding a specific reference to the office’s responsibility for promoting a deeper reflection on the role of women in the church and society.
Pope: Pray Daily Rosary for Peace in May
Pope Francis visited Rome’s popular Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love to pray the rosary for peace, especially in Syria.