News/International

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina - To overcome fear, discrimination and conflict, people must have a deep desire to open themselves up to God and his mercy, and work actively for peace every day, Pope Francis said.

Vatican ready to announce decision, guidelines on Medjugorje, Pope says

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ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Pope Francis said the Vatican was ready to make an announcement concerning the alleged Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

South Korean SUV joins elite popemobile fleet

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VATICAN CITY - A new, specially modified Hyundai SUV has joined the elite ranks of the popemobile fleet.

Caritas expertise key in Nepal rebuild

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TORONTO - Nepalese are busy rebuilding their country a month after the first of two devastating earthquakes. But the mountainous Asian nation got its practice in disaster recovery putting communities back together during more than a decade of civil war between Maoist rebels and government forces — a war that set individual communities in violent opposition to one another.

Pope urges balanced look at Dehonian founder, accused of anti-Semitism

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VATICAN CITY - Fr. Leon Dehon, founder of the Sacred Heart of Jesus religious order, had prayed to God for humility, Pope Francis said; God granted his prayer posthumously by allowing his beatification to be blocked amid claims of anti-Semitism.

Right-to-die act inspired by Brittany Maynard passes California Senate

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Right-to-die legislation passed a milestone in California Thursday (June 4) when the state Senate approved a bill to legalize physician-assisted dying in a 23-14 vote.

Pope Francis meets Chilean president amid debate over easing tough abortion law

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Pope Francis met Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, while outside in St. Peter’s Square anti-abortion protesters drew attention to one of the most controversial topics up for discussion between the two leaders June 5.

Pope sends condolences to Ghana after gas explosion, flooding

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis sent "heartfelt condolences" to the citizens of Ghana after at least 150 people were killed in a gas explosion in the country's capital, Accra.

Putin to visit Pope Francis amid global tensions

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VATICAN CITY - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Pope Francis on June 10, with pressure on the pontiff to speak up about the Kremlin’s role in the Ukraine conflict.

French Catholics want countries to quit buying oil from Islamic State

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OXFORD, England - French Catholics have urged church support for a campaign to stop Western companies from buying oil from Islamic State, in effect funding the mass killing of Christians.

Encyclical named after St. Francis prayer to be released June 18

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Sii" (Praised Be), a line from St. Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of Creatures," will be released June 18, the Vatican press office announced.