World Church News

MANILA, August 18, 2013—Pope Francis expressed deep sadness for the tragic loss of lives caused by the sinking of a ferry boat off the coast of Talisay in Cebu, Friday night. 

In a telegram of condolence sent to Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the Holy Father gave his assurance of prayers and close solidarity with those affected by the tragedy, commending them “to the loving mercy of Almighty God.” ...

MANILA, March 10, 2012—Pope Benedict XVI has conveyed his condolence for the passing of Cardinal Jose T. Sanchez in a telegram sent to Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal, archbishop emeritus of Cebu.

Cardinal Sanchez was prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy. He was head of the Vatican dicastery from 1991 until his retirement in 1996. He died March 9 in Manila at the age of 91.

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011—Highlighting the contribution young people can make in the society marked with growing discontent due to the crisis happening in the world of labor and economy, Pope Benedict XVI said the young can offer new hope to the world if they are educated in justice and peace.

The pope said he is convinced that the young people, with their enthusiasm and idealism, can contribute in the building of a more humane society.

BERLIN, Germany, Nov 22, 2011--The Catholic Church in Germany says it will act “without delay” to sell its stake in a publishing company that offers pornography among its products.

“We cannot earn money during the week with what we preach against on Sundays,” Cardinal Joachim Meisner told Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper Nov. 22.

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 22, 2011.- Calling on the example of a saint renowned for his chastity, Benedict XVI today invited young people to esteem evangelical purity.

ROME, MAY 25, 2011- The sexual abuse of minors by clergymen is "a wicked emergency not yet overcome," according to the Italian Episcopal Conference president.

Abortion has become such a pervasive form of birth control in Russia that the nation is seeing worker and population shortages that are already beginning to take an economic toll. The nation’s parliament is now considering legislation to address the problem.