News/International

Pope Francis elevates the Eucharist as he celebrates Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday at the Church of the Holy Spirit near the Vatican on April 11. U.S. bishops are drafting a document on the Eucharist as part of a revival plan.

‘Meaning of Eucharist’ document sparks bishops’ debate

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WASHINGTON -- After a lengthy debate, the U.S. bishops have given the green light to a draft a document on the “meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church.”

People gather in Milan May 8, 2021, to support of a proposed anti-discrimination bill that makes violence against LGBT+ people a hate crime. The Vatican has informed Italy that a draft law to fight homophobia and discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity could violate the freedom of Catholics to teach and practice their faith.

Vatican expresses concern about proposed Italian law on homophobia

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VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican has informed Italy that a draft law to fight homophobia and discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity could violate the freedom of Catholics to teach and practice their faith.

The U.N. flag is seen during the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the world body's headquarters in New York City Sept. 24, 2019.

U.N. investigators call on church to do more to stop abuse

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VATICAN CITY -- While acknowledging Vatican-mandated reforms in the handling of clerical sexual abuse, four U.N. special rapporteurs urged the Vatican to make it mandatory that church officials everywhere report abuse allegations to civil authorities.

Demonstrators hold red and green balloons and placards at the March for Life in Berlin Sept. 19, 2020. Catholic bishops in the European Union have taken strong issue with language in a proposed EU health care report that characterizes abortion as a human right.

EU bishops criticize report for stance on abortion, conscience clauses

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BRUSSELS -- The bishops of the European Union, while applauding a proposed EU report on expanding the access of all women to adequate health care, take strong issue with the report's characterization of abortion as a human right and its claim that "a total ban on abortion care or denial of abortion care is a form of gender-based violence."

Women pose for a picture near the U.S Supreme Court building in Washington June 17, 2021. In a unanimous decision June 17, the Supreme Court said that a Catholic social service agency should not have been excluded from Philadelphia's foster care program because it did not accept same-sex couples as foster parents.

U.S. Supreme Court rules in favour of Catholic agency in foster case

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WASHINGTON -- In a unanimous decision June 17, the Supreme Court said that a Catholic social service agency should not have been excluded from Philadelphia's foster care program because it did not accept same-sex couples as foster parents.

People in northwestern Myanmar displaced by fighting walk in Chin state May 31, 2021. Thousands of people have taken refuge in churches and convents as Myanmar's military continues to fight local resistance forces.

As fighting continues in Myanmar, thousands take refuge in churches

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YANGON, Myanmar -- Thousands of people have taken refuge in churches and convents as Myanmar's military continues to fight local resistance forces.

The U.S Capitol is seen from a street in Washington May 18, 2021.

Bill ends abortion limits, warns pro-life group

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WASHINGTON -- The Women’s Health Protection Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House on June 8, “would invalidate nearly all existing state limitations on abortion,” said Jennifer Popik, director of federal legislation for National Right to Life.

A child migrant is transferred to a Red Cross tent, in the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, June 4.

EU urged to improve immigration policies

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VATICAN CITY -- As the remains of a rickety boat, pulled from the floor of the Mediterranean Sea, were enshrined as a memorial to the hundreds of migrants who died when it sank, Pope Francis prayed that such tragedies would “challenge everyone’s conscience and foster the growth of a more supportive humanity that tears down the wall of indifference.”

Record number of abortions recorded in England and Wales in 2020

Record number of abortions recorded in England and Wales in 2020

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LONDON, England -- A record number of abortions took place in England and Wales in 2020, according to new statistics.

Anti-coup protesters flash the three-finger salute during a protest in Yangon, Myanmar, June 3, 2021. A third church in Kayah state, a Catholic stronghold in eastern Myanmar, was damaged by indiscriminate shelling by the military June 6.

Third Catholic church in eastern Myanmar hit by military strikes

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YANGON, Myanmar -- Another church in Kayah state, a Catholic stronghold in eastern Myanmar, was damaged by indiscriminate shelling by the military.

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez greets worshippers after Mass May 23 outside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

Come back to Mass, archbishop pleads

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PHILADELPHIA -- Imploring Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to return to the celebration of Mass in person, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez launched a major initiative for that purpose on Pentecost Sunday, May 23.

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