Global Church News

Vatican says talks with China have stalled

Feb 05, 2016

Taiwan's new ambassador to the Vatican said he was told by Vatican officials that talks between the Holy See and China have stalled.
Statue of Pope Francis being built in honor of visit

Feb 05, 2016

Pope Francis' historic visit to the city will be kept alive long after he is gone with a 13-foot bronze statue that is being built in his honor.
Medical staff, equipment ready for papal crowds

Feb 05, 2016

Two hospital-style emergency care tents, 75 medical care stations, 92 ambulances and hundreds of health care providers will line the streets during Pope Francis' visit to Juárez later this month.
Site of papal Mass almost done, officials say

Feb 05, 2016

More than 100 construction workers and engineers are working restlessly at the old Juárez fairgrounds, also called "El Punto," next to Benito Juárez Olympic Stadium to get the area ready for Pope Francis.
Suffering and hope ahead of papal visit

Feb 05, 2016

Bishops say Pope Francis must be told the truth about the “unprecedented” violence and misery in Mexico during his five-day visit that begins next Friday.
Iran has an important role to play in the Middle East and in the fight against terrorism

Feb 05, 2016

Pope Francis met the President of Iran at the Vatican, Jan 26, urging the Middle Eastern leader to find peaceful solutions for the Middle East and work with him to combat terrorism.
From a Mexican prison, a single mother will tell Pope Francis her story

Feb 05, 2016

Evila Quintana Molina is a single mother in a Mexican prison. She has never spoken in public, to protect her little daughter from being teased by other children.
In Asia, officials, church brace for Zika virus

Feb 05, 2016

Health officials across Asia are bracing for a likely outbreak of the Zika virus, while church leaders have urged individuals to take precautions.
Syrian Catholic leader angry after Rome covers nude statues

Feb 04, 2016

The leader of the Syrian Church has criticised Italy’s decision to cover nude statues during the visit of Iran’s president, saying it pains persecuted Christians in Syria who feel forgotten, reports the Religion News Service.
Hong Kong cardinal defends pope's message to Beijing

Feb 04, 2016

Cardinal John Tong of Hong Kong has defended a Chinese New Year message by Pope Francis to President Xi Jinping amid strong criticism by many ordinary Catholics who called it a whitewash of Beijing's poor record on religious rights.