The death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.
International News
Vatican Issues Itinerary for Papal Trip to Myanmar, Bangladesh
Pope Francis’ trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh will offer moments to recognize each nation’s struggle for independence, underline interreligious respect and encourage the local minority Catholic communities.
Nine Men and Women Declared Blessed
Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of nine men and women, including a Franciscan priest who championed the land rights of farmers in Guatemala.
Terrorist Crisis Continues To Grow in Philippines
Caritas in the Philippines is appealing for help for 400,000 people displaced in Marawi as fears grow of malnutrition and displacement problems resulting from ongoing terrorist attacks.
Syriac Bishops Feel Threatened in Middle East
Syriac Catholic bishops meeting in Lebanon for their annual synod lamented the suffering of the Syriac church and other sister churches and the “grave threat” to the future of their presence in the Middle East.
40 Catholic Groups Divest Funds from Fossil Fuels
Forty Catholic institutions, including the Belgian bishops’ conference and a leading church social welfare agency in South Africa, have decided to divest from fossil fuel companies.
Church Fears New Regulations Will Put More Restrictions on Religion
Church officials fear that newly revised religious affairs regulations released by the Chinese government, supposedly aimed at protecting national security, will be used to further suppress religious activities.
Vatican Signs UN Treaty on Nuclear Prohibition
The Holy See ratified and signed the new U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the high-level Vatican diplomat who signed the treaty told a U.N. conference that the Catholic Church supports efforts “to move progressively toward a world free of nuclear weapons.”
‘Pontifical Secret’ May Hinder Sex Abuse Cases
Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors believe they have done important work in the past three years, but because there is so much more to be done, they presented Pope Francis with a list of suggestions for the future.
Share the Journey of Migrants
Pope Francis has kicked off a two-year “Share the Journey” campaign to encourage Catholics to break down barriers of fear and build bridges with migrants and refugees. In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling for a National Week of Prayer, Oct. 7-14.