The Christmas tree and Nativity scene are pictured in St. Peter’s Square after a lighting ceremony at the Vatican Dec. 9.
International News
Pope Makes Another Plea to Assad
Cardinal Mario Zenari, the papal nuncio to Syria, met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and brought a letter from Pope Francis with an appeal “for an end to the violence” and for a “peaceful resolution of hostilities.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Her Message Transcends Time and Space
Nearly 500 years after Mexican peasant Juan Diego was greeted by Mary and urged to share a message of hope and comfort as promised by God’s compassion, Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to inspire new generations of faithful believers in their daily routines and struggles.
Iraqi Refugees Keep Christmas Spirit Alive
Sami Dankha, his three brothers and their families used to kick off Christmas celebrations by attending a packed Christmas Eve Mass at St. Thomas Church in Baghdad.
Scorsese Film About Jesuits Merits a Meeting with Pope
The morning after screening his film, “Silence,” for about 300 Jesuits, the U.S. director Martin Scorsese had a private audience with Pope Francis.
Priest Slain in Guatemala Recognized as a Martyr
Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Father Stanley Rother of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Okla., making him the first U.S.-born martyr.
Stars Point to a Bright Christmas in Bethlehem
After two Christmas seasons in which the political reality had overtaken holiday cheer, people seemed primed to finally feel some merriment in Bethlehem.
Middle East Christians Face Extinction
Christians in the Middle East face extinction because of genocide, wars and international indifference to their plight, according to panelists at a Dec. 5 interfaith forum in Manhattan.
Lithuanian Archbishop Cites Russian Build-Up
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) – Lithuanian Archbishop Gintaras Grusas said citizens are anxious about military threats from neighboring Russia but said support from Europe and the United States helped calm those fears.
Pope Plans to Visit Ireland in 2018
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – After meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said the pope confirmed he will visit Ireland in 2018 and that trip organizers would look at the possibility of a stop in Northern Ireland.