Global Church News

How the Church supports marriages – every step of the way

Feb 15, 2017

It’s Valentine’s Day, and in countries across the world, people are focused on love and marriage. But for the Catholic Church, the celebration of – and support for – marriage is not limited to one day, but all year round.
Cardinal Tong’s Article: Only hopes for China-Holy See talks. Liu Bainian’s cold shower

Feb 14, 2017

Fr. Ticozzi: It is a 'literary genre' to garner momentum towards the ideal future, an exhortation. Anthony Liu Bainian: It's just an opinion of John Tong. The appointment of bishops depends on "the future of China-Vatican dialogue". Underground bishops "not suitable to work with the Communist Party."
This couple gave to persecuted Christians, and Pope Francis responded

Feb 14, 2017

osefa and Amaro are a married couple from Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain, who made a pilgrimage to Rome on the occasion of the Holy Year of Mercy in August 2016.
Holy Land: Hope for dialogue and coexistence rises after Tagbha church reopens after arson attack

Feb 14, 2017

An interfaith ceremony and a Mass marked sunday’s reopening of the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, victim of an arson attack by Jewish extremists. Israel’s president and moderate rabbis were present at the event. For Sobhy Makhoul, the weakness of the Israeli government encourages extremism. Catholic schools and agreements with the Holy See remain unresolved problems.
Richard Madsen: In China-Holy See dialogue, Beijing wants to destroy, or at least weaken the Church

Feb 14, 2017

According to the famous sociologist of religion in China, there may be "converging interests" between Beijing and the Vatican, as to lead to an agreement on the appointment of bishops. But the hopes of the Chinese Church are different. Never talk about "agreement" before an official announcement.
Some 200,000 people celebrate centennial of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine in Odisha

Feb 14, 2017

The shrine opened on 11 February 1917 on the initiative of the local population that survived an outbreak of cholera and smallpox in 1866. The Missionaries of St Francis de Sales d’Annecy were the first to bring relief. The faithful give thanks for miraculous healings.
Doctors who object to abortion need more legal protections, Bishops say

Feb 14, 2017

Objectors to abortion need stronger conscience protections in federal law, the U.S. bishops have said in a letter to Congress supporting a bill being considered by Congress.
Catholic group to Illinois Governor: Veto abortion funding bill

Feb 14, 2017

A Catholic advocacy group is warning the Governor of Illinois that he will face massive political opposition if he signs an abortion funding bill into law.
An Oregon bill could allow mentally ill patients to be starved

Feb 14, 2017

An Oregon bill on advanced medical directive rules could allow patients who suffer from dementia or mental illness to be starved or dehydrated, opponents warned.
India favorable to Pope's visit, Bishops say

Feb 13, 2017

Three Indian cardinals met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi but details are 'confidential'.