Iranian President Tells Pope He Is Hopeful About Peace

Meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Vatican, Pope Francis told him he had high hopes for peace. And while Pope Francis usually asks those he meets for their prayers, the Shiite cleric pre-empted the pope’s request and said, “I ask you to pray for me.”

Papal Visit Encourages Native Chiapas Ministry

Communities such as Bachajon have come to depend on indigenous deacons like Anselmo Hernandez, who play an important part in serving the Church and evangelizing remote regions of Chiapas state.

Eucharistic Congress Opens in the Philippines

Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron said popular culture’s message of individuals being “infinitely right” is “repugnant to (Catholics’) eucharistic faith.” But he also said Christianity is “running on fumes” as it tries to counter the trend of people leaving the Church or staying away from the Eucharist.

Foot-washing Rite Is Not for Men Only

Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women – a practice already observed by the pope and many priests around the world.

Monastery In Iraq Destroyed

Catholic clergy lamented the destruction of Iraq’s oldest Christian monastery, St. Elijah, and urged the international community to do more to stop such assaults.

Same-Sex Marriage Splits Anglicans, Episcopalians

Because of the U.S. Episcopal Church’s moves to change canon law to allow same-sex marriage, Anglican leaders voted to suspend Episcopalians from positions representing the Anglican Communion and from participating in Anglican bodies.

At Synagogue, Pope Says Covenant Is Not Broken

While the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that God is faithful and has not revoked his covenant with the Jewish people, Pope Francis said.