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.
International News
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.
Cardinal Cites ‘Alarmist’ Views of ‘Amoris Laetitia’
Cardinal Marc Ouellet denounced the “alarmist” and “unfaithful” interpretations of the Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the family, “Amoris Laetitia.”
Schools Sisters Open Chapter Meeting
Forty-five School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) from nine provinces around the world will gather Sept. 26 through Oct. 24 in Marriottsville, Md., for the 24th general chapter of the congregation.
Guatemala, Oklahoma Await Beatification This Weekend
The beatification of Padre Francisco, better known as Father Stanley Rother, is a gift to the universal Church and especially to the Churches of Guatemala and the United States.
Freed Filipino Priest Says He’s Doing Well
A senior Philippine priest taken hostage by Islamic State-inspired militants in the southern city of Marawi has been freed after almost four months of captivity.
Prayers for Mexican Earthquake Victims
As search and rescue operations continued in central Mexico, where more than 200 people died after a strong earthquake Sept. 19, Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims.
Priest Describes Ordeal of Kidnapping in Yemen
The Salesian priest from India was kidnapped March 4, 2016, from a home for the aged and disabled run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, Yemen. On that day, four Missionaries of Charity and 12 others were murdered in the attack by uniformed gunmen.