Posts In Category
National & World News
Pope phones family of slain U.S. journalist
Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis phoned the bereaved family of a U.S. journalist killed by Islamic State militants in Syria. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pope phoned relatives of the late James Foley on Aug. 21 to console them for their loss and assure …
Pope’s 2015 World Peace Day message will focus on human trafficking
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Human trafficking destroys the lives of millions of children, women and men each year, making it a real threat to peace, the Vatican said as it announced Pope Francis‘ 2015 World Peace Day message would focus on the phenomenon.
Prayer source of strength for slain U.S. journalist, family
By Catholic News Service ROCHESTER, N.H. — In April 2013, the parents of slain U.S. journalist James Foley attended a prayer vigil at Marquette University in Milwaukee to pray for their son, who at that time had disappeared in Syria.
Pope talks airstrikes in Iraq, his health, possible U.S. visit
By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SEOUL, South Korea — Pope Francis said the use of force can be justified to stop “unjust aggressors” such as Islamic State militants in northeastern Iraq, but he declined to endorse U.S. military airstrikes against the militants and …
In South Korea, pope calls for peace, democracy and social justice
By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service SEOUL, South Korea — Starting his first visit to Asia, Pope Francis urged South Korean political and civic leaders to seek peace on their divided peninsula and strengthen their nation’s commitment to democracy and social justice. “Peace is not simply the absence of …
Vatican calls on Muslim leaders to condemn Islamic State
By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The Vatican called on Muslim leaders to condemn the “barbarity” and “unspeakable criminal acts” of Islamic State militants in Iraq, saying a failure to do so would jeopardize the future of interreligious dialogue.
Christian patriarchs denounce silence on persecution in Mideast
By Doreen Abi Raad Catholic News Service BEIRUT — Mideast Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs denounced the “total international silence” on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and called for Muslim religious authorities to issue fatwas, or legal edicts, banning attacks against Christians and “other innocents.”
Pope to send envoy to Christians forced from their homes in Iraq
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Given the “grave situation in Iraq,” Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Fernando Filoni to travel to the region to meet church and government officials, but especially to meet Christians chased from their homes by militants of the Islamic State.
Pope’s Korea trip seen as chance to for Catholics to renew their faith
By Elizabeth Wong Barnstead Catholic News Service NORTHVILLE, Mich. — When St. John Paul II canonized 103 Korean martyrs in 1984 in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Alexius Hong was there to attend the canonization Mass. “This will be the second pope who visits Korea,” said Hong of Pope Francis’ plans …
Seminary rector appointed new bishop of Ukrainian eparchy based in Ohio
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has appointed Father Bohdan J. Danylo, a seminary rector in Connecticut, to head the Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.