International

In Portugal for WYD, Pope urges Europe to recover its ‘youthful heart’

By Michael Otto | August 3, 2023 | 1 Comment

LISBON, Portugal (CNS) – Arriving at the edge of the European continent for World Youth Day, Pope Francis urged Portuguese officials to return to their maritime roots by setting sail toward new horizons of hope and helping build a Europe “capable of recovering its youthful heart”. “It is my hope … Read More about In Portugal for WYD, Pope urges Europe to recover its ‘youthful heart’

Ukraine officially moves Christmas observance to December 25 in ‘huge cultural shift’

By OSV News | August 1, 2023 | 0 Comments

(OSV News) – Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a bill moving the official observance of Christmas Day to December 25 from January 7, when Moscow and the Russian Orthodox Church mark the holiday. Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved the measure – which also adjusts the dates … Read More about Ukraine officially moves Christmas observance to December 25 in ‘huge cultural shift’

Vietnam approves resident papal representative marking improved relations

By OSV News | July 31, 2023 | 1 Comment

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Vietnam will allow a papal representative to reside in the country and open an office there to support Vietnam’s estimated 6.5 million Catholics in a sign of the country’s improved relations with the Holy See. Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong travelled to the Vatican on July … Read More about Vietnam approves resident papal representative marking improved relations

Abuse allegations down, but challenges remain, say US bishops in report

By OSV News | July 17, 2023 | 1 Comment

(OSV News) – Abuse allegations against Catholic clergy and religious in the US declined last year, but challenges remain regarding protecting vulnerable adults and ensuring online safety, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. On July 14, the USCCB’s Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection released the “2022 Annual Report … Read More about Abuse allegations down, but challenges remain, say US bishops in report

Pope institutes commission to share the stories of new martyrs

By OSV News | July 7, 2023 | 1 Comment

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Vatican will establish a new commission to identify and catalogue Christians who have died for their faith in the last 25 years, Pope Francis said. Looking to the Holy Year 2025, the Pope instituted the “Commission of New Martyrs” within the Dicastery for the Causes … Read More about Pope institutes commission to share the stories of new martyrs

Pope outraged by burning of pages from Islamic holy book in Sweden

By OSV News | July 6, 2023 | 3 Comments

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Any book that is considered sacred by its people must be respected out of respect for the human person who holds it sacred, Pope Francis said. “Freedom of expression must never be used as an excuse to despise others, and allowing this must be rejected and … Read More about Pope outraged by burning of pages from Islamic holy book in Sweden