Global Church News

Franciscans asks prayers for kidnapped priest in Syria

Jul 09, 2015

The organizations of Franciscan missionaries serving in the Holy Land have requested prayers for the safe return of Father Dhiya Aziz, who was abducted by militants in Syria on Saturday.
Pope Francis: Families need prayers, mercy, courage, including from synod

Jul 07, 2015

Even if a pastoral proposal for helping a Catholic family with problems seems scandalous at first, it is possible God could use that proposal to bring healing and holiness, Pope Francis said
Pope's encyclical forges unusual allies in fight for the environment

Jul 03, 2015

The Vatican recently added the voice of self-described “secular Jewish feminist” Naomi Klein to their discussion on the climate, signaling a wider collaboration in the push for environmental protection.
Pope approves canonisation of St Therese’s parents

Jun 29, 2015

The Pope has approved decrees permitting the canonisation of the parents of St Thérèse of Lisieux.
Marriage has had its day at Court, but religious freedom could soon follow

Jun 29, 2015

On June 26 Supreme Court ruling against the traditional understanding of marriage may pose huge obstacles to the free exercise of religion and conscience across the US, the nation's bishops have said in response to the decision.
Pope officially paves the way for Saint Therese's parents to be canonized

Jun 29, 2015

Pope Francis formally approved on Saturday the decrees necessary for Blesseds Louis and Zelie Martin – known for being the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux – to be declared saints later this year.
Fathers play on Father’s Day: The priests of two Nebraska dioceses face off in softball game

Jun 29, 2015

In the state that’s home to the College World Series, a new kind of series came to town on Father’s Day.
California legislators renew push against Junipero Serra, saint and Hispanic 'founding father'

Jun 26, 2015

A statue of Franciscan missionary and saint-to-be Father Junipero Serra has stood in the U.S. Capitol since 1931, but its future may depend on an upcoming hearing in the California legislature and the success of a “Let's Save Serra” campaign.
Don't overturn social order, faith leaders urge Supreme Court before marriage case

Jun 25, 2015

As the Supreme Court will rule on same-sex marriage before the month’s end, over 50,000 Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Jewish leaders have united to stand up for marriage as between one man and one woman.
Father Flanagan founded Boys Town. Will he be recognized as a saint?

Jun 24, 2015

The case for the sainthood of Servant of God Edward Flanagan, the priest who founded Nebraska’s famous Boys Town community for orphans and other boys, is now headed to Rome.