Over half a century since joining the Jesuits with the hope of becoming a missionary in Japan, Pope Francis finally fulfilled the dream of visiting this land.
International News
Caritas Expresses Outrage Over Former Director in Africa Accused of Abuse
Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based confederation of 165 national Catholic charities, has expressed sadness and outrage over incidents of child abuse by a Belgian Salesian priest who had been the national director of Caritas in the Central African Republic.
In Thailand, Pope Tells Religions to Work for Peace; Catholic Youth to Hold Firm to Faith
Speaking to people from 18 different religions on Nov. 22, Pope Francis said that the complex challenges of the world today – including globalization, the rapid advances of technology and the persistence of civil conflicts resulting in migration, refugees, famine and war – makes the need for cooperation between religions all the more pressing.
Pope Tells Thailand’s Catholics to be ‘Missionary Disciples’ not ‘Mercenaries Of Faith’
Speaking to some 60,000 members of Thailand’s tiny Catholic community, Pope Francis on Thursday called them to be missionary disciples, explaining that being a “mercenary of the faith” does not compel others to convert.
Armenian Advocate Says Genocide Label May Lead to Reparations
The formal recognition that Turkey committed genocide against the Armenian people during the last years of the Ottoman Empire is important because it could pave the way for reparations, according to Vera Yacoubian, director of the Armenian National Committee of the Middle East Office.
Pope’s Visit to Thailand a ‘Morale Booster’ for Tiny Catholic Flock
Pope Francis arrived in Thailand Wednesday to open a Nov. 20-26 Asia tour that will also take him to Japan. It marks the first time a pope has visited the former kingdom of Siam since St. John Paul II in 1984.
Controversial ‘Pachamama Thief’ Goes on U.S. Tour
One month after famously stealing indigenous statues and throwing them into Rome’s Tiber river, the man who has quickly become one of the global Church’s most polarizing figures is now making his way across the U.S. hosted by traditionalist Catholics.
From Child Prostitution to Nuclear Arms, Pope Has a Big Agenda in Asia
When Pope Francis embarks on the thirty-second trip of his pontificate Nov. 19, headed towards Thailand and Japan, he will once again be visiting nations where Catholics are a small minority.
Pope Names Italian Diplomat as Vatican’s New Ambassador to United Nations
Pope Francis has named Italian Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia to serve as his new representative to the United Nations.
Australian High Court to Hear Arguments in Cardinal Pell’s Case
The High Court of Australia has decided to give Cardinal George Pell, 78, a final chance to argue against his conviction on five counts of child sexual abuse.