Representatives of Christianity and Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism met in Rome to promote interreligious dialogue and cooperation across the continent.

The book "Freedom Under Grace," which contains the pope's writings from his time as an Augustinian friar, will be released in September.

WASHINGTON – “As rescue efforts are underway, I urge the international community to mobilize in support of the Venezuelan people, and to send the necessary humanitarian assistance to alleviate their suffering,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

Bishop Zaidan’s statement follows:

“In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that have impacted Venezuela, causing significant loss of life and severe destruction, I offer the prayers and solidarity of the Church in the United States to our sisters and brothers affected by this tragedy.

“As rescue efforts are underway, I urge the international community to mobilize in support of the Venezuelan people, and to send the necessary humanitarian assistance to alleviate their suffering. Catholic Relief Services, the international relief agency of the Church in the United States, and its partner Caritas Venezuela, are already responding and assessing needs at this early stage. We understand the U.S. government is readying an initial response and appreciate their partnership in responding to this natural disaster. 

“Let us all join in prayer that Our Lady of Coromoto, patroness of Venezuela, will comfort and protect her children and that compassionate international assistance will arrive swiftly.”

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The Cathedral of Toledo, Spain, is home to eight chapels whose designs and purposes reflect centuries of Spanish history, encompassing both its royal dynasties and Church hierarchy.

Bishop Aldo Berardi says the Northern Arabia Church continues to stand with the faithful amid uncertainty in the Gulf.

Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong welcomed the June 24 ruling, which dismissed a complaint against him, another priest, and community leaders related to a mining exploration project.

A statue of Padre Pio in Italy has allegedly shed a tear of blood. The parish priest believes the phenomenon to be real, but the Church must investigate and verify.

The federal government is seeking to seize land from the Las Cruces Diocese for 1.5 miles of border wall, a move the diocese says would desecrate a sacred site and impede religious practice.

Two bishops from Burkina Faso spoke about efforts to gain international support for the university, which they said they hope can be part of the solution to the terrorism and violence.

The judge said the fact that the 15- and 11-year-old girls do not enjoy popular music demonstrated an alleged deficiency in their cultural education.