Catholic News Service

Retired Bishop Onésimo Cepeda Silva of Ecatepec — the colorful and controversial Mexican bishop who rubbed shoulders with the rich, served one of the country's roughest dioceses died Jan. 31. He was 84.

The "true gold medal" at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games goes to everything that helps the global community be more welcoming and accepting of all people, Pope Francis said.

An international coalition of Christian leaders appealed for the release of Hong Kong's Catholic pro-democracy supporter Jimmy Lai and other imprisoned activists as part of a Chinese New Year amnesty.

More than two dozen Indigenous delegates, accompanied by a handful of Canadian bishops, plan to meet with Pope Francis the last week of March. The trip to Rome, originally scheduled Dec. 17-20, was derailed by COVID-19.

 A report released by the New Zealand bishops' conference found allegations of abuse were made against 14% of diocesan clergy who have ministered in the country since 1950.

People from all walks of life observed a "silent strike" in defiance of the ruling junta Feb. 1, the anniversary of the military coup.

Sexual abuse has cast a long shadow over the German Catholic Church in the past 12 years. 

 Trying to advance the economic status of American Indians is like playing a game of Monopoly that they can never win, said panelists during a plenary session of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering.

Three prominent lay Catholics and three prominent Indigenous leaders have been named to the board of the Canadian bishops' new charity to promote Indigenous healing and reconciliation initiatives.

The history of Black Catholics and other marginalized people in the U.S. church covering more than two centuries is one worth knowing and can guide the church's response to the challenges of racism and social justice, historian Shannen Dee Williams believes.

 Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso says it was a young girl who taught him about hope.

 A week after expressing concern in a private letter about the Vatican's reform of the Knights of Malta, the order's grand chancellor said he is confident the process is now on the right path.

On World Leprosy Day, Pope Francis called for an end to discrimination against people who have or have had Hansen's disease.

When done right, the collection of taxes can promote a culture that protects the well-being of all, especially the poor and least fortunate, Pope Francis said.

A cardinal who had served as an aide to now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and was present for his meetings with survivors of clerical sexual abuse said he "never found in him any shadow or attempt to hide or minimize anything."

Efforts by the United Nations to limit the use of explosive weaponry in highly populated urban areas gained the support of the Vatican's nuncio to the world organization.

The papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need has called for prayers Feb. 1, to show solidarity with the people of Myanmar on the first anniversary of the military coup.

The prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy said he believes the Vatican is on the path to honesty and transparency in financial matters.

The promotion of justice, including in marriage tribunals, requires a "synodal spirit" of pastoral accompaniment, heartfelt listening and using "the right reasoning" in discernment, Pope Francis said.

Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory in an interview said he was doing well and happy to be back at work.