News/International
Appeals court sends challenge to Texas abortion law to state Supreme Court
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- A federal appeals court sent a challenge to the Texas abortion law back to the state's Supreme Court Jan. 17.
Polish diocese apologizes after abuse comment
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceWARSAW, Poland -- A Polish diocese apologized after its lawyer suggested a former altar server could have enjoyed being sexually molested by a priest, as a spokesman for victims warned the church still had "a long way to go" in combating abuse.
German canon lawyer: Wait for abuse report before casting blame
By Catholic News ServiceMUNICH -- As Germans await publication of a report on how leaders of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising handled cases of historic abuse, a canon lawyer casts doubt on accusations against retired Pope Benedict XVI over possible negligence.
India’s change of plan sees Missionaries of Charity able to access foreign funds
By Catholic News ServiceNEW DELHI -- The Indian government has restored the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act registration of the Missionaries of Charity, clearing the decks for the globally renowned charity to receive and utilize foreign funds, reported ucanews.com.
Pope, cardinal offer condolences to victims of Bronx fire
By Mark Pattison, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON -- Pope Francis issued condolences to families of those killed in an Jan. 9 apartment building blaze in the Bronx that killed 17 people, including eight children.
A life of hope and justice: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
By Bronwen Dachs, Catholic News ServiceCAPE TOWN, South Africa -- Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s compassion and sense of humour, as well as his commitment to justice and processes of peace, were among the many reasons he was an icon, said Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg.
China forbids foreigners from spreading religious content online
By Catholic News ServiceIn the U.S.-China rivalry that involves a complex mix of diplomacy, trade wars and sanctions, religion has come under increased pressure after the communist regime banned online propagation of religion by foreign nationals, purportedly to make religion more Chinese-oriented.
Catholics hold funeral after Myanmar massacre; attacks continue
By Catholic News ServiceYANGON, Myanmar -- For Christians in Chin and Kayah states, there were no Christmas and New Year celebrations due to fighting. They have borne the brunt of a decades-old civil war and faced oppression and persecution at the hands of the military, reported ucanews.com.
Southern Italian diocese temporarily bans naming of godparents
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceA second diocese in Sicily, where the Mafia has had a significant presence for decades, announced a temporary ban on the naming of godparents for baptisms and confirmations.
Caritas appeals for aid after typhoon claims over 200 lives in Philippines
By Catholic News ServiceMANILA, Philippines -- Super Typhoon Rai has claimed more than 200 lives since making landfall in the Visayas and Mindanao region, Philippine authorities said.
Human rights groups raise alarm over new atrocities in Western Tigray
By Fredrick Nzwili, Catholic News ServiceNAIROBI, Kenya -- International human rights organizations have warned of a new wave of atrocities in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, as Catholic Church leaders continued to express concerns over the detention of priests, nuns and lay members.