Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – Catholic university programs in philosophy, theology and canon law – especially those designed for future priests – must be marked by fidelity to church tradition, academic rigor and an awareness of the challenges to belief in the modern world, Pope Francis said.
VATICAN – The Catholic Church must dedicate itself to properly forming and safeguarding the conscience of its faithful, especially young people so they can see God's plan for the sacrament of marriage as a great joy for the church and all of humanity, Pope Francis said.
WASHINGTON – Young adults waiting to hear whether lawmakers will grant them the opportunity to stay in the country legally said they don't want Congress to offer an immigration deal that will help them but in turn produce fear and mass deportation among their parents and neighbors who are in the country illegally.
JERUSALEM – The U.S. suspension of $65 million in aid to the U.N. agency that deals with Palestinian refugees alarmed advocates who work with Palestinians living in camps.
VATICAN – A truly pastoral minister never leaves people to suffer on their own or to become a victim to their own errors and confusion, Pope Francis told members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
VATICAN – Pope Francis said he told the bishops and priests of Chile to be uncompromising when it comes to protecting minors from sexual abuse and to trust that God will purify and renew his church during this time of trial.

VATICAN - People have a responsibility to check the source of what they share on social media to ensure it is not "fake news" designed to further prejudices or increase fear, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Global leaders must implement policies that support the family and offer real opportunities for the growth and development of all people, Pope Francis told people attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
KINSHASA, Congo – Security forces in Congo violently dispersed protesters who were demanding that President Joseph Kabila hold fresh elections.
LIMA, Peru – Pope Francis took his message of hope to this sprawling, dusty capital of Peru, celebrating Mass within view of the rocky, waterless Andean slopes where most of the city's poorest residents live.