News/International

George Cardinal Pell

Cardinal Pell gives statement after conviction overturned

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(CNA) -- After his conviction for child sexual abuse was overturned Tuesday by Australia’s High Court, Cardinal George Pell has released a statement expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and legal team, and noting that he does not bear resentment toward his accuser.

This is a view of a closed church taken in Hama, Syria, March 22, 2020, as all religious gatherings are suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 does what war couldn't: close churches in Syria

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VATICAN CITY -- Cardinal Mario Zenari, the nuncio to Syria, said he is raising special prayers these days to Sts. Cosmas and Damian, fourth-century physicians who offered free care for the sick in Syria.

Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin, papal custodian of the Shroud of Turin, stands in front of the shroud during a preview for journalists in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, April 18. A public exposition of the shroud, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus, runs from April 19 through June 24, 2015.

Shroud of Turin to be displayed on livestream for Holy Saturday

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VATICAN CITY -- With people forced to stay home, even during Holy Week, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the archbishop of Turin has announced a special online exposition of the Shroud of Turin, which many believe is the burial cloth of Jesus.

Australian Cardinal George Pell is seen in a 2017 file photo being escorted by police to the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Australian High Court to announce decision on Cardinal Pell's appeal

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VALLA BEACH, Australia -- Australian Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of child sexual abuse charges, will learn the fate of his final appeal to the country's High Court April 7.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, attends an interfaith prayer service in Yangon Oct. 10, 2017. Cardinal Bo, head of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, attacked the Chinese Communist Party for covering up the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and made it clear he was not criticizing the Chinese people.

Cardinal says Communist Party to blame for covering up COVID-19

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YANGON, Myanmar -- Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, called the Chinese Communist Party "morally culpable" for initially covering up the full dangers of the COVID-19 virus, which originated in Wuhan, China.

A man raises his arms in prayer at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale in Rome March 17, 2020. Many churches in Italy remain open for prayer amid a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Italian government clarifies lockdown rules for churches

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ROME -- While many churches in Italy remain open, visiting a church to pray is not a valid excuse for leaving one's home during Italy's COVID-19 lockdown, said a note from the Ministry for Internal Affairs.

Fr. Scott Holmer, a pastor in Bowie, Md., offers drive-through confessions in the parking lot of his parish church, keeping a safe distance away from penitents amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Priest takes confession to the parking lot

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WASHINGTON -- When public Masses in the Archdiocese of Washington were suspended in efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Fr. Scott Holmer, pastor at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Bowie, Md., got creative about bringing the sacraments to his local community.

Pro-life supporters stage a silent demonstration Nov. 30, 2019, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Abortion will become legal in Northern Ireland March 31.

Abortion legalized in Northern Ireland

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MANCHESTER, England -- The British government has pressed ahead with the legalization of abortion in Northern Ireland.

Ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad Ahmadabadi, an Islamic scholar, answers reporters' questions in Rome Oct. 14, 2010, before giving a presentation at the Vatican.

Iranian cleric pleads with Pope Francis to help end U.S. sanctions

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VATICAN CITY -- Citing the increasing loss of lives to COVID-19 and a lack of medical resources, an Iranian cleric has urged Pope Francis to do what he can to help get U.S. sanctions against Iran lifted.

The Pontifical North American College on the Janiculum Hill overlooking St. Peter's Square.

North American College decides to send all its seminarians home

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ROME -- With more than half of its seminarians already back in the United States, the Pontifical North American College in Rome is sending its students home.

Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen of Auckland, New Zealand, poses with his father, Deacon Henk Gielen, after his episcopal ordination Mass March 7.

Deacon dad and his son … the new bishop

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- In a first for New Zealand, a permanent deacon participated in the episcopal ordination Mass of his son.

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