A man waves a Colombian flag in Bogota, Colombia, in this 2015 file photo (CNS photo/John Vizcaino, Reuters).

Pope Francis can play “a fundamental role” in bringing peace to Colombia, professor says

by Gerard O’Connell September 6, 2017

‘I hope that we overcome the fratricidal conflict that has marked the history of our country for two centuries.’

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Faith, Vatican Dispatch

Pope Francis in Colombia, Day 1: President Santos welcomes pope, greets media

by Gerard O’Connell September 6, 2017

“This trip is special because it is a visit to help Colombia to continue forward on the path of peace.”

A man works on a mosaic of Pope Francis on a wall outside Hogar San Jose children's home in Medellin, Colombia. The pope will visit the home Sept. 9 during his five-day visit to Colombia. (CNS photo/Luis Eduardo Noriega, EPA)

Faith, Vatican Dispatch

Pope Francis is going to Colombia this week. Here’s what you need to know

by Gerard O’Connell September 5, 2017

Colombia has been torn by armed conflict since 1964, and drug-trafficking related to cocaine production is a major problem.

People form the word "Peace" outside the cathedral in Bogota, Colombia, on Sept. 26, 2016. The Colombian government and Marxist rebels signed an agreement that day to end Latin America's last armed conflict. (CNS photo/Felipe Caicedo, Reuters)

News, Politics & Society

Pope Francis and the church push for reconciliation in Colombia

by Christine Armario - Associated Press September 5, 2017

Despite being a frequent target of violence by the left-wing and officially atheist rebels, the church has pushed for peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness in Colombia, but not all Colombians agree.

Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, and Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago greet asylum seekers at the Humanitarian Respite Center at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen, Texas, on Aug. 15. (CNS photo/courtesy Catholic Extension)

Dispatches, Faith

Chicago’s Cardinal Cupich thanks Texas parish for ‘welcoming the stranger’

by Catholic News Service August 24, 2017

Cardinal Cupich of Chicago visited McAllen, Texas, to grant $100,000 for a new building to provide services for asylum seekers.

Faith, News

Marist Brothers: School director admits to abusing student

by Almudena Calatrava - Associated Press August 18, 2017

Brother Angel Duples, the general director of an elite school founded by the Marist Brothers in Argentina, has admitted he sexually abused a student 38 years ago.