Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, pictured in an early January photo, has become increasingly outspoken as the Nov. 8 election approaches and has urged the nation to embrace religious diversity. (CNS photo/Lynn Bo Bo, EPA)

Exclusive: Cardinal Bo describes Myanmar’s difficult path to democracy

by Gerard O’Connell July 28, 2017

Cardinal Bo believes the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Holy See could “help build up Myanmar as a democracy and contribute to peace building in the country.”

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Faith, News

Pope Francis prays for dialogue, reconciliation in Jerusalem after uptick in violence

by Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service July 24, 2017

Pope Francis called on Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land to “moderation and dialogue” as tensions continued around a key site in Jerusalem that is sacred to members of both faiths.

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Faith, News

Pope Francis to beatify Colombian martyrs who were witnesses ‘to the point of death’

by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service July 21, 2017

In September, the pope will beatify a bishop and a priest filled in the country’s decades-long civil war.

Callista Gingrich at a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing in Washington on July 18. Gingrich was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. Her husband is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. (CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters)

News, Politics & Society

Gingrich focuses on cooperation with Vatican, downplays differences on environment and refugees

by Michael J. O’Loughlin July 18, 2017

On issues that have become hallmarks of the Francis papacy, notably care of creation and the global refugee crisis, Mrs. Gingrich had difficulty explaining how she might engage the Vatican, given Mr. Trump’s views.

Opposition members wave a Venezuelan flag outside a poll station during a symbolic referendum in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 16. Venezuela's opposition called for a massive turnout Sunday in a symbolic rejection of President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution, a proposal that's escalating tensions in a nation stricken by widespread shortages and more than 100 days of anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Dispatches, Politics & Society

Can Pope Francis help Venezuela step back from the edge?

by Tim Padgett July 17, 2017

Rome is urging Venezuela President Maduro and his Chavistas to hold the elections they are now blocking, release hundreds of political prisoners like Mr. López and restore the democratic separation of powers they have mowed down.