Pope Francis begins a historic visit to Iraq on Friday, the first by a pontiff to the birthplace of the Eastern Churches from where more than a million Christians have fled over the past 20 years. The visit of the pope has a highly symbolic value given the importance of Iraqi Christians in the history of the … Continue reading Pope Francis embarks on historic visit to Iraq
Pope Francis said he was very saddened that some people during COVID-19 pandemic holiday lockdowns managed to slip away on vacations while so many are suffering economic problems or are ill. During noon prayer remarks Sunday at the Vatican, Francis said that “we don’t know what 2021 has in store for us.” But, he added, … Continue reading Pope Francis: Show a little kindness to one another
Pope Francis on Sunday urged political and military leaders in Libya to end their hostilities and called on the international community to take “to heart” the plight of migrants trapped in the lawless nation. During his weekly blessing overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for “an end to the violence” and a path toward … Continue reading Pope Francis calls for peace in Libya
Pope Francis expressed support for a universal basic wage during the coronavirus crisis in an Easter letter he wrote to representatives of social movements and organizations worldwide. “This may be the time to consider a universal basic wage which would acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks you carry out,” the pope wrote. “It would ensure … Continue reading Pope Francis: Governments and companies should pay wages in response to COVID-19
Pope Francis, who canceled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy because he is suffering from a cold, has tested negative for coronavirus, the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported on Tuesday. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said he had no immediate comment on the report. The 83-year-old Roman Catholic leader, who had part … Continue reading Pope not infected by the virus
Pope Francis declined Wednesday to approve the ordination of married men to address the priest shortage in the Amazon, sidestepping a fraught issue that has dominated debate in the Catholic Church and even involved retired Pope Benedict XVI. In an eagerly-awaited document, Francis didn't even refer to recommendations by Amazonian bishops to consider the ordination … Continue reading Pope Francis against ordination of married men as Catholic priests
Pope Francis has criticized the practice of tax cuts for the rich in the name of "investment and development," calling it a "structure of sin" at the seminar set up by the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences. He lamented the fact that "billions of dollars" end up in "tax haven accounts" instead of funding "healthcare … Continue reading Pope Francis not in support of tax cuts for ‘rich people’
POPE FRANCIS was in Panama, where he criticized Donald Trump's insistence on building a border wall, and asked wall-builders to stop sowing fear about immigrants. The pope also kicked off a global youth rally by urging the next generations to build bridges, accommodate one another, and show understanding instead. Surprisingly, Francis was overwhelmed with emotions … Continue reading Build bridges, not walls – Pope Francis
MIKE POMPEO, the U.S. Secretary of State, has called on members of the Organization of American States (OAS) to recognize National Assembly President Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela. Image: Nicolas Maduro At a meeting in Washington, Pompeo said "the time for debate is done. The regime of former President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate." Pompeo also pledged … Continue reading Mike Pompeo promises financial aid to Venezuela
Ethnic Miao women in traditional costumes take part in a tug of war as as part of traditional new year celebrations at a village in Rongshui Miao Autonomous county, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China 5 January 2019. Clemson cheerleaders celebrate after the NCAA college football national championship game against Alabama, Monday, 6 January 2019 … Continue reading Pictures from memorable world events (January, 2019)