Underlining the failure of the Nigerian government to stop the violent rampage of Boko Haram, a Catholic bishop has called for Western military intervention.
International News
Pope Makes a Surprise Visit to Buddhist Temple
By Anto Akkara MAKOLA, Sri Lanka (CNS) – When Pope Francis made a surprise visit to a prominent Buddhist temple in Colombo Jan. 14, the head of the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka reciprocated by showing the pope historical relics of Buddhas’ disciples, normally exposed only for the annual Buddhist feast in May. “The […]
First Sri Lankan Saint Is Symbol of Harmony
Canonizing Sri Lanka’s first saint, who ministered to Catholics under persecution three centuries earlier, Pope Francis proclaimed what he called the “fundamental human right” of religious freedom.
Serra Announcement Surprised Everyone
Even people who have been promoting the sainthood cause of Blessed Junipero Serra were surprised when Pope Francis said that he hopes to canonize the 18th-century Spanish Franciscan who founded missions across Mexico and California.
Europe and Nothingness
In the wake of the horrific jihadist attack on the Paris-based journal Charlie Hebdo, the trope “satirical magazine” was regularly deployed to explain Charlie’s character and content. But that’s not-quite-right. And what’s wrong about it – when linked to the sentiment expressed on placards reading “We are all Charlie Hebdo”– suggests just how much trouble Europe […]
Pope Confirms US Visit
Pope Francis said his September trip to the U.S. will take him to Philadelphia, New York and Washington – where he intends to canonize Blessed Junipero Serra – but probably no other stops. Pope Francis made his remarks Jan. 19, in an hourlong news conference with reporters accompanying him back to Rome from a weeklong […]
Pope Urges Filipinos to Protect the Family Unit
By Francis X. Rocca MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – Pope Francis told a crowd of an estimated six million gathered in a Manila park to protect the family “against insidious attacks and programs contrary to all that we hold true and sacred, all that is most beautiful and noble in our culture.” The pope’s homily at […]
Papal Style Adapts to the People
By Cindy Wooden MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – New situations are opportunities to learn new things, even about the 78-year-old Pope Francis. After two days of watching the pope tenaciously keep his appointments in the Philippines despite pouring rain Jan. 17-18, one lesson is that the papal wardrobe needs to be expanded to include rain gear. […]
Pope, at Mass With Millions, Tells Filipinos to Protect the Family
The pope’s homily at the Jan. 18 Mass, which drew an estimated 6-7 million people, also reprised several other themes he had sounded during the four-day visit, including environmental problems, poverty and corruption.
Crowds in Manila Just Get Glimpses of Pope on His First Popemobile Ride
By Simone Orendain MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Pope Francis shot past the crowd very quickly during his first popemobile drive-by in Manila Jan. 15, but nobody seemed to mind that he was gone in a matter of seconds. Ferdinand Agood, a retired overseas contract worker who lives on the opposite side of Manila from the […]