Catholic News Service

Lawyers representing six defendants, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, on charges of financial crimes accused Vatican prosecutors of omitting evidence and testimony they said are crucial in preparing their defense.

Environmental issues will have a leading role at the Latin American Ecclesial Assembly, which will bring bishops, clergy religious and laity together Nov. 21-28 in Mexico City.

In a Nov. 16 news conference, the organization Ending Clergy Abuse called on the U.S. prelates meeting in Baltimore to focus less on who can take Communion and instead do more to end abuses by clergy.

Synodal unity is not "based on the avoidance of sensitive or painful problems," Baltimore Archbishop William Lori said in his homily for the opening Mass of the U.S. bishops' fall meeting.

At the end of their plenary assembly in Fatima, the Portuguese bishops announced the creation of a national commission to support local dioceses in their investigations into current and historic cases of sexual abuse.

Spanish Father Julián Carrón, president of Communion and Liberation, has announced he is stepping down from the office he has held since 2005.

Honoring two reporters who have covered the Vatican for more than 40 years, Pope Francis paid tribute to all journalists who work to explain what is going on in the world and "make it less obscure."

A Chinese bishop who was allegedly kidnapped by authorities in late October has returned to his diocese, media reports say.

Although drought is a perennial problem, local governments could partner with faith groups to mitigate its impacts, archbishop says.

The pope's pilgrimage to Assisi Nov. 12 was dedicated totally to the poor in preparation for the celebration Nov. 14 of the World Day of the Poor.

In a letter to Catholics in Scotland, ahead of the end of COP26, Pope Francis warns that world leaders are running out of time and must address climate change before it's too late.

More than 4,200 allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and others were reported during the year ending June 30, 2020, a slight decline from the previous auditing period.

Fighting has intensified in northeastern Myanmar's Shan state as the military reinforces troops to crush local militias, and religious buildings continue to be targets.

During his first visit to Russia, the Vatican foreign minister said relations between the two "have been steadily strengthened," but added that greater cooperation could benefit the global community.

In times of trouble, Christians must be like the disciples in the boat on the stormy sea, calling out to Jesus and waking him up, Pope Francis said.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld and six other candidates for sainthood finally will be canonized May 15, 2022, the Vatican announced Nov. 9.

In a video message, bishops from the Amazon region hope to mobilize society and pressure the Brazilian government and others at the U.N. climate change conference to adopt concrete and urgent measures to protect the rainforest.

The Supreme Court's consideration of spiritual advisers praying aloud with death-row inmates or placing hands on them in prayer during executions faced an uphill battle Nov. 9.

This fall, as the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased, some dioceses, particularly in the South, are loosening restrictions on mask mandates for Catholic schools.

Pope Francis will prepare for World Day of the Poor by meeting with some 500 poor people making a pilgrimage to Assisi, Nov. 12. Two days later, on the World Day of the Poor, he will celebrate a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica with about 2,000 poor people and those who assist them.