Kidnapped Mexican Priest Found Alive

MEXICO CITY (CNS) – An outspoken priest who had been reported missing in the state of Veracruz was found alive, but with signs of torture.

Pope, Bishops Ask Trump To Care for Immigrants

The day before Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, Pope Francis said he would make no judgments about the candidate and was interested only in the impact his policies would have on the poor.

Cardinals Ask Clarification on Communion for the Divorced

Four cardinals said they formally asked Pope Francis to clarify his teaching on Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried. Not receiving a response after two months, they released their letter and opinions to the press.

Questions and Answers About Interment of Ashes

On “Ad resurgendum cum Christo” (“To Rise With Christ”), an instruction “regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation,” issued Oct. 25.

Chinese Bishops Must Be Approved by the Pope

No matter what the motivation or how seriously threatened one may believe the Catholic Church in China is, the ordination of bishops without a mandate from the pope is a serious violation of church law, the Vatican said.

Pope Warns About Rigidity

People rigidly bound to the law suffer pain, pride and often live a double life, Pope Francis said. God’s law was made not “to make us slaves but to make us free, to make us children” of God, he said in his homily at a recent Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Priests in Stricken Areas to Celebrate Mass Outdoors

Priests in central Italy were instructed to celebrate Mass outdoors following another devastating earthquake that rocked the region and brought one its most spiritually and historically significant churches tumbling down.

In Sweden, Pope Francis Offers New Beatitudes

On an ecumenical trip to Sweden, Pope Francis said Christ’s followers are called “to confront the troubles and anxieties of our age with the spirit and love of Jesus,” and offered a new list of beatitudes for modern Christians.