Catholic News Service

Cardinal Sergio Obeso Rivera, retired archbishop of Xalapa, Mexico who was created a cardinal by Pope Francis a little over a year ago, died at the age of 87.

Pope Francis approved new statutes for the Institute for the Works of Religion, often referred to as the Vatican bank, that include structural changes and a mandatory external audit.

The upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Amazon is an "urgent" gathering, not of scientists and politicians, but for the church whose main focus in discussions will be evangelization, Pope Francis said in a new interview.

Catholic bishops accused of plotting to oust Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have submitted their response to sedition charges.

More than 1,000 Catholics prayed during a candlelight vigil for Hong Kong to solve its political crisis in a peaceful, nonviolent manner.

The numbers who believe in transubstantiation are higher among Catholics who go to Mass at least once a week, but are hardly overwhelming. About five of every eight churchgoing Catholics believe in the church's teaching of transubstantiation.

With the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the bishops of Japan are renewing calls and prayers to build peace by abolishing nuclear weapons worldwide and promoting integral human development.

During Mass the weekend of July 27-28, it was announced at Masses that Fr. Geoff Drew, pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Cincinnati, is on administrative leave. No further details were provided, which left many feeling frustrated.

Philippine authorities have filed sedition, libel and obstruction of justice charges against 36 people, including eight church leaders, the country's vice president and members of the opposition.

The Francis Chronicles: The church does not close its eyes when confronted with the sufferings of others but instead "knows how to look at humanity in the face to create meaningful relationships, bridges of friendships and solidarity," the pope said during his weekly general audience Aug. 7.

There is a lot to like in the two-year budget worked out in Congress and signed by President Donald Trump, according to faith-based institutions that are members of the Circle of Protection.

Toni Morrison, award-winning author of 11 novels whose words brought to life the experiences of African American women, died Aug. 5 at age 88 in New York due to complications from pneumonia.

Catholic churches and institutions in flood-hit Mumbai opened their doors to accommodate thousands of people stranded in the city by heavy rain and flooded streets.

"Once again in our nation we see the face of evil," Bishop Mark Seitz said. "... We see the effects of the sinful and insipid conviction that some of us are better than others of us because of race, religion, language or nationality."

Jesuit Fr. Michael Buckley, a noted theologian and retired Bea professor of theology at Santa Clara University, died July 25 at the Jesuit retirement home in Los Gatos after a long illness. He was 87.

In an Aug. 4 letter, Pope Francis acknowledged the shame and frustration felt by priests who are discouraged by the actions of fellow clergy members who betrayed the trust of their flock through sexual abuse and abuse of conscience and power.

Pope Francis joined other Catholic Church leaders expressing sorrow after back-to-back mass shootings in the U.S. left at least 29 dead and dozens injured in Texas and Ohio Aug. 3-4.

Pope Francis has asked families to set aside time to pray both individually and together as a family.

Catholics in a northern Philippines archdiocese marched in support of church leaders accused of conspiring to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte.

A former leader in the pro-democracy movement in Indonesia was ordained a priest in June in Portland, Oregon.