Catholic News Service

World leaders and international organizations must do more to protect thousands of men and women in the fishing industry who suffer continued human rights violations.

 Extreme poverty, the lack of employment that can support a family and desperation are the major drivers of exploitative child labor, Pope Francis said.

Two U.S. cardinals, six bishops and prominent leaders of various faiths clasped hands with a group of about 20 men and women Nov. 18 in Baltimore, praying for an end to the evil of sexual abuse of children.

Catholic opponents of the death penalty, including Oklahoma City's archbishop, praised the Nov. 18 announcement that Gov. Kevin Stitt granted Julius Jones clemency — just hours before he was scheduled to be executed.

Amid reports of mass arrests of Tigrayans in Ethiopia, a church source said fear has gripped those residing in the neighboring countries who fear they could be the next targets.

The U.S. bishops approved a motion Nov. 17 during their general assembly to host the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024 in Indianapolis; it will be the culmination of a planned three-year eucharistic revival.

Causes advance for Civil War veteran who served Hansen's disease patients, layman who ministered in Louisiana and 'Little Cajun Saint.'

In a nearly unanimous vote, bishops set date for honoring saint whom they call a powerful figure able to move people's hearts.

Bishops approved new guidelines governing financial investments of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that include wider limits on where money would be invested and advance a policy of engagement on corporate practices that impact human dignity.

During this time marked by global crisis, St. Joseph can offer people support, consolation and guidance, Pope Francis said.

As more than 200 U.S. bishops met in Baltimore  a series of speakers castigated them from across the street at a waterfront pavilion. They were addressing a rally sponsored by St. Michael's Media, also known as Church Militant.

To protect the sacrament of reconciliation as a "channel of grace" for victims of sexual abuse, the Catholic Church must do a better job instructing priests on what to do if a victim recounts his or her abuse in the confessional and in the unlikely case that an abuser confesses.

Lawyers representing six defendants, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, on charges of financial crimes accused Vatican prosecutors of omitting evidence and testimony they said are crucial in preparing their defense.

Environmental issues will have a leading role at the Latin American Ecclesial Assembly, which will bring bishops, clergy religious and laity together Nov. 21-28 in Mexico City.

In a Nov. 16 news conference, the organization Ending Clergy Abuse called on the U.S. prelates meeting in Baltimore to focus less on who can take Communion and instead do more to end abuses by clergy.

Synodal unity is not "based on the avoidance of sensitive or painful problems," Baltimore Archbishop William Lori said in his homily for the opening Mass of the U.S. bishops' fall meeting.

At the end of their plenary assembly in Fatima, the Portuguese bishops announced the creation of a national commission to support local dioceses in their investigations into current and historic cases of sexual abuse.

Spanish Father Julián Carrón, president of Communion and Liberation, has announced he is stepping down from the office he has held since 2005.

Honoring two reporters who have covered the Vatican for more than 40 years, Pope Francis paid tribute to all journalists who work to explain what is going on in the world and "make it less obscure."

A Chinese bishop who was allegedly kidnapped by authorities in late October has returned to his diocese, media reports say.