News/International
A Catholic bishop in Congo warned of a loss of government control over parts of the country, ahead of a projected visit by Pope Francis.
Christians now minority in U.K. presenting new opportunities for evanglization
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic News ServiceAn English bishop said Catholics must work harder to evangelize the U.K. after the latest official census showed that Christians were a minority for the first time since records began.
Regional representatives meet Pope Francis, discuss 'continental phase' of synod
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceWhile some people want to "reform" the Catholic Church and others want "to put the brakes on the synod process," those involved in preparing the continental phase of the synod process want "to mend" the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the pope, said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, relator general of the synod.
Cardinal Zen, five others fined, but larger charge looms
By Catholic News ServiceA Hong Kong Court fined Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, 90, and five others for failing to register a humanitarian fund set up to help people arrested in anti-government protests pay legal fees.
With America magazine Pope Francis talks about church division, women, abortion
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceIn a wide-ranging interview with top staff of America magazine, Pope Francis decried increased polarization within the Catholic Church, affirmed the need to involve more women in church administration but ruled out women priests and emphasized the importance of the ministry of individual bishops over the role of a bishops' conference.
Meal project a lifeline for Lebanon’s newly poor
By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News ServiceThe aroma of caramelized onions, cumin and baked fish still lingers as volunteers busily fill hundreds of containers of meals for the poor.
Private lifestyle no longer a reason for job dismissal in German church
By Catholic News ServicePeople who work for the Catholic Church in Germany and live in a second marriage or in a same-sex partnership will in most cases no longer have to brace for their dismissal under new employment guidelines being discussed by the country's bishops.
Pope Francis suspends Caritas Internationalis officers, appoints administrator
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServicePope Francis has suspended the secretary-general and other top officers of Caritas Internationalis, appointing a temporary administrator to oversee improved management policies and to prepare for the election of new officers in May.
Italian bishops publish first abuse, child protection audit
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceItalian diocesan "listening centers" for victims of abuse took reports from 89 people against 68 priests or other church personnel in 2020 and 2021, the Italian bishops' conference reported.
Lebanon risks ‘paralysis’ with president impasse, say Church leaders
By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News ServiceWith a presidential vacuum in Lebanon, the country’s Catholic religious leaders urged parliament “to elect a president immediately.”
Vatican to investigate cardinal over abuse claims
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceThe Vatican will open an investigation into French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, the retired archbishop of Bordeaux, who admitted in a public letter that he had abused a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago.