Chaldean Christians in Mosul, Iraq, attend Christmas Mass at St. Paul Cathedral Dec. 24. (CNS photo/Amar Salih, EPA)

Faith, News

Christians and Muslims join for Christmas Mass in liberated Mosul

by Catholic News Service December 28, 2017

The Iraqi national anthem opened the Mass as women wailed with emotion.

A man dressed as Santa is seen in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 24. Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East called for peace, security, prayer and solidarity at Christmastime.

News, Politics & Society

Middle East Catholic patriarchs express hope amid uncertainty at Christmas

by Doreen Abi Raad - Catholic News Service December 28, 2017

“This is our homeland and we insist (we) remain here.”

Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen is seen in this undated photo. He entered the country as a young refugee from Vietnam in 1973. (CNS photo/courtesy Diocese of St. Augustine)

News, Politics & Society

In California, a former Vietnamese refugee becomes a bishop

by Rhina Guidos - Catholic News Service December 28, 2017

Bishop Nguyen was forced to flee his native country as a seminarian, spending 18 days at sea without food or water.

In this Aug. 10, 2017 file photo, construction workers adjust a temporary cross on the St. Nicholas National Shrine in New York. Work on the Greek Orthodox church destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks next to the World Trade Center memorial plaza has been temporarily suspended by the construction company. It comes amid financial difficulties and questions over how funds have been managed. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

News, Politics & Society

Construction temporarily stopped at church destroyed on 9/11

by Colleen Long - Associated Press December 27, 2017

The St. Nicholas National Shrine next to the World Trade Center memorial plaza was to replace a tiny church obliterated when the trade center’s south tower fell in 2001.

20171224T1634-125-CNS-POPE-CHRISTMAS-MASS

Faith, News

Pope Francis: Festivities become a facade when Christ is left out of Christmas

by Carol Glatz - Catholic News Service December 27, 2017

In Europe, Christmas is being stripped of its true nature “in the name of a false respect for those who are not Christian.”

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In Christmas message, Pope Francis calls for two-state solution in Middle East

by Associated Press December 26, 2017

The pope took particular aim at areas of global tension where President Donald Trump is playing a critical role.

Pope Francis waves as he arrives to deliver his Christmas message and blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Dec. 25. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

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Pope Francis prays for world’s suffering children on Christmas

by Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service December 25, 2017

Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on a clear, crisp Christmas day, Pope Francis spoke about the world’s children before formally giving his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

Pope Francis kisses a statue of Baby Jesus as he celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

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Pope Francis on Christmas Eve: Bethlehem trek of Holy Family is like today’s migrations

by Frances D'Emilio - Associated Press December 24, 2017

“So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary,” Pope Francis said. “We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day.”

Faith, News

Wisconsin priest tells parishioners he’s gay, gets standing ovation

by Associated Press December 22, 2017

A Roman Catholic priest in Milwaukee has come out as gay, writing that he will no longer live in the shadows of secrecy and plans to be authentic to his gay self.