In an unusual incident on Tuesday evening, Muslim and Christian residents of the town of al-Khader near Bethlehem clashed after Palestinian terrorists tried to hide from the Israel Defense Forces in
Lebanon’s financial meltdown has been characterized by the World Bank as one of the worst worldwide since the 1850s; nearly 80 percent of the population now lives in poverty.
The International Labour Organization estimates that 2.3 million people lose their lives in work-related accidents or diseases every year worldwide.
In a recent speech the pope revived his criticism of rich countries that force their values on poorer nations, erasing their local cultures and traditions. Francis’s thinking, experts say, can be traced back to his days in Argentina, where, as Jorge Bergoglio, he led the Archdiocese of Bueno Aires.
‘The pope emeritus ... expresses his shock and shame at the abuse of minors committed by clerics.’
Afghanistan is the most dangerous country for Christians, according to an annual list put together by the Christian watchdog group Open Doors. It is the first time in two decades that North Korea has not been at the top of the list. Open Doors said the Taliban’s takeover of the Afghan government in mid-August forced many Afghan Christians — most of whom are converts from Islam — to go into hiding.
The report accused the cardinal of mishandling two abuse cases.
Curial officials will make their own arrangements for a private Lenten retreat.
The Irish government has added a new public holiday to the national calendar to honor the country’s female patron, St. Brigid of Kildare.
A long-awaited report on sexual abuse in Germany’s Munich diocese on Thursday faulted retired Pope Benedict XVI’s handling of four cases when he was archbishop in the 1970s and 1980s.
The French president made the appeal in a speech to the European Parliament.
