Pope Mourns Beheaded Christians

Pope Francis sent his condolences to Patriarch Mathias of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for the execution of more than 20 Ethiopian Christians at the hands of Islamic State militants in Libya.

Pope Ready to Visit South America

Pope Francis is expected to arrive July 6 in Ecuador, starting a three-country tour of his home continent, the Associated Press reported from Quito.

Pope’s ‘Genocide’ Remark Angers Turkey

Pope’s ‘Genocide’ Remark Angers Turkey

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, Pope Francis said atrocities from the past have to be recognized — not hidden or denied — for true reconciliation and healing to come to the world.

Papal Itinerary in Sarajevo

Pope Francis will make an 11-hour visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 6, taking time to meet with the nation’s leaders and bishops, and also spending time with young people.

Pope Encourages, Cautions Work of Vocation Directors

Despite fewer vocations to consecrated life, those responsible for formation in religious institutes must know how to say no to unsuitable candidates, so as to avoid a “graver crisis of quality” down the road, said Pope Francis.

Christians Called to Patience, Harmony

The presence of the Holy Spirit makes Christian communities places of harmony and sharing where wealth is not accumulated, but put at the service of the needy, Pope Francis said.

UN Conference Urges World to Dump Nukes

Representatives of eight interfaith and interreligious organizations said the moral argument is the strongest one in the stalled international effort to abolish nuclear weapons.

Kenya militant attack on college

Kenyan Bishops Deplore Massacre of Christians

The president of the Kenyan bishops’ conference called on Easter worshippers to commit themselves to praying for peace and security after militants attacked a college campus.

Pope Prays for Defense of Christians

Christians live the joy of the Resurrection when they share a smile with someone, weep with those who mourn and defend the rights of those persecuted for their faith, Pope Francis said.