The damage from mining projects in Brazil goes beyond deforestation, the country's bishops say. The effects include death from disease and higher rates of murder and sexual assault.
Pope Francis has now appointed three of his former confreres in the Society of Jesus to the Vatican's highest posts. He is also including more members of his order in the College of Cardinals.
A new European Commission takes over this fall, coinciding with the United Kingdom's planned departure Oct. 31 from the European Union. The Catholic Church will be doing what it can to ease tensions.
Pope Francis Oct. 5 exhorted the world's Catholic cardinals to tend especially for those in need and to practice kindness with those in their care, lamenting what he called the "disloyal actions" of some clerics who only criticize their coworkers.
Signs of the Times: In announcing the appointment of 10 new cardinal electors, Pope Francis has improved the possibility that the next pope will continue his policies, but their appointments have also sent a message to the church about what should be the priorities of its leaders.
Guatemalan Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini said he notices when he visits family in the U.S. that almost anywhere he goes, the lights seem to be on — even in the daytime, even if there's enough natural light to illuminate a space.
Six bishops representing episcopal conferences on five continents issued a joint statement calling on the international community to take immediate action against climate change.
At a Synod of Bishops where "cultural shift," "epochal change" and "massive challenge" are almost buzz phrases, Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg said, "I'm very optimistic."
