Global Church News

French court bans TV ad showing happy kids with Down syndrome

Nov 24, 2016

A French court has drawn international backlash for ruling that a popular video showing happy children with Down syndrome was “inappropriate” for French television.
Pax Christi International award for 2016 goes to Pakistan’s National Commission of Justice and Peace

Nov 24, 2016

Presented in Geneva, the award was shared by the NCJP and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. For 30 years, the Catholic association has promoted the protection of human rights, especially those of religious minorities.
Suspected arson destroys chapel, pro-life center

Nov 24, 2016

A fire – allegedly set by arsonists – has closed a pro-life pregnancy center and chapel in New Mexico, shutting down its operations for the foreseeable future.
Vietnamese parliament approves law on religions limiting freedom of worship

Nov 24, 2016

The new legislation was approved by 85% of lawmakers. It will come into effect on 1st January 2017. Since it was first proposed in April 2015, the bill was redrafted seven times. The Catholic Church and human rights activists have stressed that it still violates religious freedom and could lead to social unrest.
Indiana mayor draws criticism for renaming Good Friday

Nov 23, 2016

Critics say an Indiana mayor's decision to rename the city's Good Friday holiday in the name of inclusivity ended up marginalizing Christians.
Filipino Catholics seek forgiveness for 'sin of abortion'

Nov 23, 2016

A number of Filipino Catholics have sought forgiveness for committing the "sin of abortion" during the observance of the Year of Mercy, a Catholic priest said.
St Thomas More’s hair shirt now enshrined for public veneration

Nov 23, 2016

The shirt worn by the saint as he contemplated a martyr's death in the Tower of London has been encased above an altar in Buckfast Abbey
DC Mass celebrates gifts of those with disabilities

Nov 23, 2016

The kingship of Christ is lived out through service to those in need, said the homilist at the annual Washington, D.C. Mass for those with special needs and those who care for them.
For Cardinal Tobin, Pope Francis is in step with his predecessors

Nov 23, 2016

In a sit-down interview on Monday, Cardinal Joseph Tobin opened up about his appointment and his thoughts on the U.S. elections, as well as Pope Francis’ warning to cardinal’s against ‘polarization’ and his emphasis on mercy.
Cardinal Dolan calls for new energy in fight against assisted suicide

Nov 23, 2016

As the push for physician-assisted suicide continues throughout the country, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York is asking the faithful to step up in opposing anti-life measures.