Catholic News Service
Trump urges an end to persecution of 'people of faith'
UNITED NATIONS -- President Donald Trump called on world leaders at a Sept. 23 U.N. event on religious freedom to end religious persecution around the globe.
French bishops oppose assisted procreation for single moms, same-sex couples
PARIS -- France's Catholic bishops opposed legislation to allow medically assisted procreation for single mothers and lesbian couples and urged citizens to help block its enactment.
Cardinal Pell appeals abuse convictions to Australian High Court
SYDNEY -- Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric to be convicted of child sexual abuse offenses, has lodged an application with Australia's High Court to appeal his guilty verdict.
Papal commission for protection of minors meets in Rome
VATICAN CITY -- Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors meeting in Rome said there was a continued need to make safeguarding consistently part of the life of the church around the world.
Cardinal Etchegaray a key papal envoy
VATICAN CITY -- Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a longtime Vatican official and papal envoy who was sent to some of the world’s most wounded and challenging places, died in France Sept. 4. He was 96.
Pope Francis to visit Thailand, Japan in November
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will finally fulfill his desire to be a missionary to Japan when he visits the country, as well as Thailand, Nov. 20-26, the Vatican announced.
Rep. Smith: Born Alive bill is 'pro-child, human rights' measure
WASHINGTON -- At a Sept. 10 hearing on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, said the U.S. House "needs to vote now and approve this humane, pro-child, human rights legislation."
Vatican representative calls for electoral reform in Nicaragua
GENEVA -- With increasing concerns worldwide about human rights violations in Nicaragua, a Vatican representative has called for an immediate return to negotiations and a rollout of reforms necessary to hold "free and transparent elections" there.
Sri Lankan government to conduct independent inquiry into Easter attacks
NEGOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has finally won a concession from Sri Lanka's government after widespread criticism of the investigation into the deadly Easter Sunday attacks.
Pope Francis appoints three cardinals to lead Amazon synod
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis appointed three delegate presidents for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.