IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The extension of Pope Francis’ trip to Sweden by one day to accommodate a papal Mass for the nations’ Catholics does not detract from the ecumenical power of the trip, but actually highlights the need for Christian unity, said the …

By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Seventy Catholic women, including the presidents of two leading Catholic organizations, expressed concern for the “toxic politics of fear” that has dominated this year’s presidential campaign. Saying that “elections should be a national examination of conscience,” the signers of the statement called for civil debate in …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops will discuss ways to promote peace in U.S. communities torn apart by violence, vote on ways to implement priority areas for their conference approved last year and elect new leaders during their Nov. 14-16 fall general assembly …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Closing doors to immigrants and refugees is not the answer — in fact, it only helps encourage the crime of human trafficking, Pope Francis said. “The only way for resolution is through solidarity,” where everyone pitches in because “all together …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY — God’s kingdom is not a well-organized structure where only strict adherents of the law can enter but a path that is walked upon every day with meekness and docility, Pope Francis said. Christians are called to walk that path of the kingdom and …

IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Wiechec By Nancy Wiechec NOGALES, Ariz. (CNS) — The apostolic nuncio to the United States celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border Oct. 23 offering prayers to break down the barriers that separate people. Archbishop Christophe Pierre faced the immense steel border fence in Nogales as he and the …

IMAGE: CNS/Don Doll, S.J. By Carol Glatz ROME (CNS) — Pope Francis, speaking both as pope and a Jesuit, asked members of the Society of Jesus to continue to journey to where Christ is most needed, and always ask God for consolation, compassion and help in discernment. The Jesuits aim …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As a military operation in northern Iraq fights to wrest control of areas held by retaliating Islamic State forces, Pope Francis criticized the “cruelty” and heinous violence waged against innocent civilians. He invited people to pray with …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Beth Griffin NEW YORK (CNS) — When Donald J. Trump stepped over yet another invisible line of the contentious presidential race Oct. 20, many of the 1,500 people at 71st annual dinner of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation broke historic precedent to boo …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters By Alastair Wanklyn TOKYO (CNS) — Heavy damage was reported to homes and farm land in the northern Philippines Oct. 20 after the strongest storm in three years struck overnight. Typhoon Haima barreled into northern Cagayan and Isabella provinces, ripping the roofs off homes …