By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The joyful hope that flows from faith can change the world, which is why Christians have a crucial part to play in revitalizing Europe, Pope Francis said. “To speak of a Christian contribution to the future of the continent means, before all else, …

From our print edition: Every fall, Catholics in the United States observe National Black Catholic History Month, a reminder that from the Church’s earliest days, Catholics have come from all races, cultures, and nations. The following explanation is from the National Black Catholic Congress, founded in1889 by Cincinnati publisher Daniel …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — Hearing the faith journey of Hollywood actor and businessman Mark Wahlberg left an impression on the hearts of many young adults at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s first (re)Encounter event Oct. 20 at the UIC Pavilion. “It’s powerful for …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Wallice J. de la Vega SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) — Above all material and financial considerations after Hurricane Maria’s severe damage in Puerto Rico, one must highlight the brotherly spirit shown by the island’s people during the ongoing recovery period, said the island’s top …

IMAGE: CNS/Robert Duncan By Matthew Fowler and Robert Duncan VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After weeks of navigating difficult terrain, avoiding wild animals and steep cliffs, the devoted pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts who manage to traverse the 155 miles between Assisi and Rome on foot arrive in St. Peter’s Basilica and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence criticized the United Nations’ efforts to help persecuted Christians in the Middle East in a speech Oct. 25. Since the organization “failed” to help Christians and other minority religious communities, he said, aid …

IMAGE: CNS photo/James Lawler Duggan, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves ROME (CNS) — Pope Francis called on the people of the United States to welcome migrants and urged those who are welcomed to respect the laws of the country. “To all people (of the U.S.) I ask: take care of …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — One perk that comes with floating aboard the International Space Station is NASA arranges for occasional calls with celebrities to keep the astronauts’ spirits high during their monthslong flights. Before his first space mission began this year, Catholic astronaut Mark Vande Hei of …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like police everywhere, Vatican officers write dozens of parking tickets and deal with more than their fair share of petty thieves. The Vatican’s blue-uniformed police corps does not have the picturesque uniforms or the medieval halberds of the Swiss …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Wallice J. de la Vega LAS MARIAS, Puerto Rico (CNS) — By joining forces to create coalitions on behalf of those who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico has been fulfilling Pope Francis’ expressed wish to see …