Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope just a few days after telling the College of Cardinals that the Catholic Church faced a clear choice between being a church that “goes out” or a church focused on its internal affairs.
International News
Nigerian Bishop Appeals to Gov’t To Help Free Kidnapped Girls
Bishop Hilary Dachelem of Bauchi has appealed to the Nigerian government and security agencies to work for the rescue of the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in February.
Concern After Explosions At Two Mexican Churches
The bishop of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, has expressed alarm after two church explosions within four days.
Any Claims of Heresy in ‘Amoris’ Are Unfounded
Pope Francis’ exhortation on the family should prompt discussion and even debate, but accusing him and others of heresy is completely out of place, said German Cardinal Walter Kasper.
Canonization Date for Paul VI
Blessed Paul VI will be declared a saint in late October at the end of the Synod of Bishops on youth and discernment, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
Pope to Visit Switzerland
Pope Francis will visit Geneva in June, the Vatican confirmed.
Priest Killed in Congo
Police in Congo are continuing their search for the person who killed a Catholic priest and dumped his body in a river.
Holy Sepulcher Church Reopened After Dispute
Christian leaders in the Holy Land announced they would reopen the Church of the Holy Sepulcher Feb. 28 after the Israeli government has set up a negotiating team to resolve a municipal dispute over property taxes.
Redemptorists Leaving Canadian Monastery
The Redemptorists are leaving their Ste.-Anne-de-Beaupre monastery, where they have been living since the 19th century.
Vatican Denies Report That Pope Benedict Has ‘Degenerative Illness’
The Vatican has denied that retired Pope Benedict XVI has a degenerative neurological disease or paralyzing condition after his brother, 94-year-old Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, told a magazine that Pope Benedict had a debilitating disease.