Ukrainian priest wins battle over hate, anger after kidnapping. The priest recalled his 12 days in captivity and said it was worse emotionally than physically.
International News
Document Will Guide Talks at Family Synod
A working document, intended to guide discussions at the Synod of Bishops in October, included wide array of issues affecting the family.
Support for Encyclical
Some 1,500 people marched to the Vatican in support of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on the environment.
Pope to Canonize St. Therese’s Parents
The parents of St. Therese of Lisieux will be canonized at the Vatican Oct. 18, during the Synod of Bishops on the family.
New Communications Secretariat at Vatican
In an effort to render the Vatican more effective in today’s digital world, Pope Francis established a new Secretariat for Communications.
Pope to Bishops: Be Not Afraid to Be Persecuted
The Church wants pastors who are unafraid of persecution, are angels of hope and charity and are convincing witnesses with a life rooted in prayer and the Gospel, Pope Francis told new archbishops.
Vatican Issues Itinerary For Pope’s Visit to US
Pope Francis will take his vision of a Catholic’s approach to family life, parish life, charity, economics, immigration and good governance to Cuba and the United States during a Sept. 19-27 visit.
Laudato si’ : A Study Guide and Summary
The following offers an overview of the 191 pages of the encyclical Laudato si’ and its key points, along with a summary of each of its six chapters (“What is happening to our common home,” “The Gospel of Creation,” “The human roots of the ecological crisis,” “Integral ecology,” “Lines of approach and action” and “Ecological education and spirituality”).
Laudato si’ Study Guide: Chapter One
Laudato si’ Study Guide: Chapter One – WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR COMMON HOME
(Pollution and climate change; Pollution, refuse and the culture of waste; Climate as a common good; The issue of water; Loss of biodiversity; Decline in the quality of human life and the breakdown of society; Global inequality; Weak responses; A variety of opinions).
Laudato si’ Study Guide: Chapter Two
Laudato si’ Study Guide: Chapter Two – THE GOSPEL OF CREATION
(The light offered by faith; The wisdom of the Biblical accounts; The mystery of the universe; The message of each creature in the harmony of creation; A universal communion; The common destination of goods; The gaze of Jesus).