The theme of the XXXI World Youth Day is: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy’ (Mt 5:7). St. Faustina and St. John Paul II are the patrons of the upcoming WYD in Krakow, Poland, July 26-31.
International News
Pope Says Nice Attack Was ‘Blind Violence’
Remembering the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Nice, France, Pope Francis prayed that God may give comfort to grieving families and foil the plans of those who wish to harm others.
New Book with Retired Pope Benedict Due in September
Retired Pope Benedict XVI has given another interview to the journalist and author Peter Seewald, and a German publisher announced it would be released worldwide Sept. 9.
German Cardinal: Christianity Is the Religion of the Future
One of Pope Francis’ top advisers said during a visit to Ireland that he believes the Christian faith is “the religion of the future” as he mapped out a role for the Church in increasingly complex pluralist societies.
Retired Benedict XVI Feels ‘Protected’ by Pope Francis
In his first public address in almost a year, retired Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sincere gratefulness to Pope Francis, saying that his goodness “in every moment of my life here, touches me deeply.”
Pope: Apology Is Due for Marginalizing Gays
Catholics and other Christians not only must apologize to the gay community, they must ask forgiveness of God for ways they have discriminated against homosexual persons or fostered hostility toward them, Pope Francis said.
Pope in Armenia Prays for Victims of Genocide and Unity with Orthodox
During a three-day trip to Armenia, June 23-15, Pope Francis paid tribute to the estimated 1.5 million Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915-18 and prayed for unity with the Armenian Orthodox Church.
Vatican’s Dialogue With Religious Continues
More than a year after the conclusion of the Vatican’s apostolic visitation of U.S. communities of women religious, the Vatican began asking more than a dozen orders to send their superiors to Rome to discuss concerns that surfaced.
Pope: Circus Performers Bring Joy to the World
Meeting with acrobats, clowns, carnival workers, street performers, musicians and magicians, Pope Francis thanked the artists for bringing beauty and joy to an often dark, sad world.
In India, Missionaries of Charity Stop Adoptions
Although the sisters continue to keep and care for abandoned, destitute and sick children, they have stopped putting children up for adoption. The nuns said they made the decision because new government rules were “contrary to our Christian values.”