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.
International News
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.
Church Clarifies Guides on Cremation
While the Catholic Church continues to prefer burial in the ground, it accepts cremation as an option, but forbids the scattering of ashes and the growing practice of keeping cremated remains at home.
Pope Donates $100,000 to Haiti Hurricane Fund
As a sign of his closeness and concern, Pope Francis sent aid money to hurricane-stricken Haiti.
21 Kidnapped Girls Released in Nigeria Two Years After Boko Haram Captivity
Catholic leaders welcomed the release of some of the girls kidnapped in 2014 from a school in Chibok and urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the release of the remaining girls.
Pope Urges Sports World To Maintain Its Integrity
Pope Francis challenged the sports world to fend off corrupt and manipulative practices and to uphold the values of honesty, fairness and transparency.
Pope Canonizes Seven New Saints
The church’s seven new saints were holy not because of their own efforts but because of “the Lord who triumphs in them and with them,” Pope Francis said.
Albanian Priest Learns He Is A Cardinal by Watching TV
The story of how an Albanian priest endured decades of imprisonment, torture and forced labor during his country’s communist crackdown against the church brought Pope Francis to tears.
Names of New Cardinals Contain Surprises
Choosing new members of the College of Cardinals, Pope Francis once again looked to countries and particularly to dioceses that were not and never had been represented in the body that advises the pope and bears responsibility for electing his successor.
Activist Argentine Priest Is Found Dead
An outspoken Argentine priest known for denouncing the threat of drug trafficking and warning of rising crime in the northern part of the country was found hanged in his parish home.