By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Addressing the challenges of evangelization in one of the world’s most remote areas and the connection between faith and environmental concern, Pope Francis announced a special gathering of the Synod of Bishops to focus on the Amazon region. “Accepting the wish of

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like the Catholic Church’s newest saints, Christians are called to live their faith as a love story with God who wants a relationship that is “more than that of devoted subjects with their king,” Pope Francis said. Without a

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — It makes no sense to lament the problems of hunger and forced migration if one is unwilling to address their root causes, which are conflict and climate change, Pope Francis said. “War and climate change lead to hunger; therefore, let’s

By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Immediate makeshift memorials in Las Vegas to the 58 victims killed during the Oct. 1 outdoor country music concert are being replaced by memorial services, vigils and Catholic funerals at the victims’ hometowns across the country and in Canada. Many of the services are

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The church’s newest saints represent a diverse group of people who offer encouragement and hope to Christians today through their example, a Brazilian bishop said. Saints like the “Martyrs of Natal,” Brazil, offer a “new opportunity, hope and a

IMAGE: CNS By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Canadian authorities did not request the extradition of a Vatican diplomat who has been charged by police in Canada of accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography, a Vatican spokesman said. “No request for extradition has come from Canada and no trial

IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Wiechec By IRVING, Texas (CNS) — The leaders of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, which has its headquarters in the Dallas suburb of Irving, said they “accept and work with the new membership policy of the Boy Scouts of America” to admit girls. “We were informed this

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Overly strict immigration laws do not discourage migration, and more must be done to keep migrant families together, a Vatican representative said. “The migrant family is a crucial component of our globalized world, but in too many countries the

IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — No matter how much suffering Christians face in the world, God never forgets those who trust in and serve him, Pope Francis told leaders of Eastern Catholic churches. The courage to “knock at the door” of God’s heart

IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — When the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina — commonly known as Padre Pio — stopped at two Chicago churches, more than 19,000 people turned out to venerate them, organizers said. The relics, which included a lock of