Two priests were kidnapped and killed in the Mexican state of Veracruz, raising the death toll of prelates murdered in Mexico to 14 in less than four years.
International News
Pope, Cardinals Examine How Bishops Are Chosen
Pope Francis and members of the international Council of Cardinals advising him on church governance once again discussed ways to improve the process of identifying the best priests to become bishops.
Catholic Relief Services Names Veteran Staffer as New CEO
A six-month search for a new president and CEO for one of the largest humanitarian relief agencies in the world ended at its doorstep, with Catholic Relief Services announcing Sept. 16 that it is hiring a veteran employee – Sean Callahan, as its new president and CEO.
Prayer and Dialogue: Interfaith Peace Gathering in Assisi
“We never tire of repeating that the name of God cannot be used to justify violence. Peace alone, and not war, is holy!” the pope said Sept. 20 at the closing ceremony of an interreligious peace gathering in Assisi to mark the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s Assisi interfaith peace gathering in 1986.
Pope Visits Newborns
Pope Francis visits the neonatal unit at San Giovanni Hospital in Rome Sept. 16. The visit was part of the pope’s series of Friday works of mercy during the Holy Year.
Pope in Assisi Prays for Peace
Christians are called to contemplate Christ in “the voice of the suffering,” Pope Francis said at a Sept. 20 prayer service, part of an interfaith meeting with religious leaders to mark the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s Assisi interfaith peace gathering.
Benedict: Governance Not My Strong Suit
In a book-length interview with the German author Peter Seewald, Pope Benedict said that when he resigned he had the “peace of someone who had overcome difficulty” and “could tranquilly pass the helm to the one who came next.”
Retired Pope Says Age Brings Him New Insights
As he prays in his house in the Vatican Gardens and especially as he ages, retired Pope Benedict XVI, now 89, said he finds many Scripture passages “more challenging in their greatness and gravity.”
Chinese Coadjutor Bishop Arrested
Chinese authorities arrested the coadjutor bishop of Wenzhou, China, and local faithful said it was to prevent him from taking possession of the diocese after the death of Bishop Vincent Zhu Weifang.
Pope Advises Bishops to be Wary of Devil and Money
The devil’s favorite weapon for destroying the Church is creating division, Pope Francis told new bishops. Be careful to that everything meant for promoting pastoral activities and evangelization “does not get damaged or undermined by divisions,” he said Sept. 9.