An increase in religious persecution around the globe was fueled in part by a rise in authoritarianism, according to a recent annual report.
International News
In ’60 Minutes’ Interview, Pope Clarifies Same-Sex Blessings, Speaks Out Against War, Says Clergy Abuse Can ‘Not Be Tolerated’
In the latest comment from the Vatican on “Fiducia Supplicans,” the controversial declaration issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in December 2023 that includes guidelines on the blessing of same-sex couples, Pope Francis clarified that he didn’t allow blessings of “the union” but of “each person.”
Vietnam-Vatican Working Group Hold First Meeting Since New Agreement
The Vatican-Vietnam joint working group held its first meeting since last year’s important agreement allowing for a papal representative to reside in Vietnam and the establishment of an office there to support Vietnam’s estimated 6.5 million Catholics.
Pentecost Pilgrimage From Paris to Chartres Will Have Record Number of Pilgrims
The traditional Notre-Dame de Chrétienté pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres that takes place over the Pentecost weekend had a record number of 16,000 pilgrims in 2023, but this year the number is thousands beyond that.
In New Vetting Process for Apparitions, Vatican Nixes ‘Supernatural’ Label
On Friday, the Vatican rolled out a new expedited procedure for vetting alleged Marian apparitions or other spiritual phenomena, ruling that they will no longer be deemed supernatural but simply that nothing stands in the way of encouraging devotion.
While Recovering in Miami, Haitian Bishop Says Homeland Needs a ‘New Beginning’
Without setting a timetable, Haitian Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-á-Veau and Miragoâne said that as soon as he is able, he will return to the Caribbean nation to accompany and give hope to his people, and also to serve as a witness of God’s love.
Bishops Respond with Shock, Prayer After Slovak Prime Minister Shot Multiple Times
Catholic bishops have expressed shock and promised prayers as Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico fights for his life after being shot multiple times May 15.
As Cross and Tower Bells Return to Notre Dame, Firefighters’ Chaplain Recalls Battle to Save Icon
The cross over Notre Dame’s choir and the eight bronze bells in the north tower can now be reinstalled in their rightful place in the iconic Paris cathedral.
Don’t Antagonize the Elderly, Pope Says in Grandparent’s Day Message
The elderly must not be accused of saddling younger generations with their medical expenses and pensions — a notion which foments intergenerational conflict and drives older people into isolation, Pope Francis said.
LEGO’s Notre Dame Model Comes Just in Time for Cathedral Reopening
As workers complete the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a devastating 2019 fire, LEGO fans can assemble their own model of the iconic medieval structure, thanks to a soon-to-be-released kit from the Denmark-based toy manufacturer.