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.
International News
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.
Pope: Desire for Power Can Stifle Duty to Serve
To serve God, Christians must learn to be at the service of all and not be dominated by a desire to exert power and authority over others, Pope Francis said.
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.
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.