Global Church News

Qara Kelisa, the feast of St Thaddeus of the Armenians in the oldest church in the world

Jul 28, 2016

Located in northwestern Iran, on the border with Azerbaijan and Turkey, the monastery was built, according to tradition, in 68 AD after the martyrdom of the Apostle of Christ. Hundreds of Armenians from Iran and Armenia gather each July to baptise their children, as well as eat and sing together.
In first balcony talk, Pope tells youth to 'make chaos'

Jul 28, 2016

On his first night in Krakow Pope Francis was already stirring things up with participants in WYD by hosting an off-the-cuff Q and A and telling them to ‘make chaos’ by spreading the joy of their faith.
The story of Poland's majestic 'underground salt cathedral'

Jul 28, 2016

Located just southeast of Krakow, the Wieliczka salt mine is famous for many things – most notably its underground chapels, made entirely out of rock salt.
"Do not give in to fear": Young Iraqis appeal to France

Jul 28, 2016

The French and other European nations affected by terrorism "must not give in to fear. Listen to those of us who live with terror every day: the real
Francis to Polish Leaders: Remember the past, but look to the future

Jul 28, 2016

After landing in Krakow on Wednesday, Pope Francis told Polish leaders to take a look at their history and use it as an inspiration to take the good and leave the bad behind, including when it comes to modern-day issues such as migration.
Pope Francis warns world 'is at war' after Europe attacks

Jul 28, 2016

However, he stressed he did not mean a war of religions, but rather a conflict over "interests, money, resources".
Fr Hamel was martyred ‘in odium fidei’, says Archbishop Fisher

Jul 28, 2016

Archbishop Fisher called for solidarity with other religions, and said the attackers targeted the Christian faith
What Pope Francis told young immigrants in Texas

Jul 28, 2016

As thousands of youth gather in Krakow this week for World Youth Day with Pope Francis, hundreds of undocumented immigrants in Texas who couldn't make it got a special message from the pontiff.
The Grand Imam of Al Azhar condemns the killing of Fr. Jacques Hamel in France

Jul 28, 2016

Ahmad Al Tayyeb offers condolences to the French president, the archbishop of Rouen, the victims' families and to the whole of France. The assailants "devoid of any sense of humanity." In Islam "there is the order to respect the sacred places of worship and the sanctity of non-Muslims”.
Stethoscope Pope: Listens to what makes youth tick

Jul 28, 2016

Pope Francis is in Karakow, Poland to meet with an expected 2 million young people from around the world. He has a firm idea of the dreams, fears and challenges so many of them face.