The Christmas tree and Nativity scene decorate St. Peter’s Square during a lighting ceremony at the Vatican.
International News
Mexican Priest: It’s Okay to Fight Back
COALCOMAN, Mexico (CNS) – Father Emiliano Mendoza Magana, pastor of the St. James the Apostle Parish in this town of timber cutters, recalls parishioners coming to confessions in past years with questions about grabbing guns and fighting back against a marauding drug cartel.
Miracle Approved Declaring Mother Teresa to be a Saint
Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, thus paving the way for her canonization in 2016.
Pope Backs UN Road Map to Peace in Syria
Pope Francis endorsed a recent U.N. resolution on peace in Syria and expressed “deep appreciation” to the international community for reaching an agreement.
Vatican Critic: New Star Wars Villain Is Not Evil Enough
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” broke box office records and restored a new hope in the franchise to the delight of fans worldwide with a few exceptions, including the Vatican’s newspaper. Emilio Ranzato, author and frequent movie critic for L’Osservatore Romano, wrote Dec. 18 that the first […]
Little Town of Bethlehem A Tough Sell These Days
Though the Christmas tree was lit in Bethlehem’s Nativity Square, few tourists are visiting the holy sites – or souvenir shops – this Christmas season because of the recent violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Did Pope Bring Peace to Africa?
A Catholic leader in the Central African Republic said Christian-Muslim ties were affected positively by Pope Francis’ Nov. 29-30 visit and his simple message of living peacefully.
Mexican Nun Wins Human Rights Award
Sister Consuelo Morales, a member of the Congregation of Our Lady: Canonesses of St. Augustine, has advocated for and accompanied families whose loved ones disappeared in violence or problematic security crackdowns.
Vatican Calls for ‘Equal Dignity’ for Brothers
To help appreciate and better promote the vocation of religious brothers, the Vatican released a 50-page reflection in five languages on Dec. 14 on the importance of their life and mission of evangelization, fraternity and sacrifice.
Pope’s Mexican Trip to Highlight Marginalized
Pope Francis will visit marginalized communities in Mexico to bring hope to a country suffering from crime, corruption and inequality during his Feb. 12-17 trip.