NATION/WORLD

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has appointed six men and six women to a commission to study the issue of women deacons, particularly their ministry in the early Church.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — While Catholics mourn the senseless killing of a beloved French priest, Church leaders have emphasized that shock and grief over this attack cannot fuel hatred against Muslims or immigrants.

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM KRAKOW, Poland (CNS) -- An economy that focuses on the God of money, not human beings, is the foundation of terrorism, Pope Francis said.

KRAKOW, Poland (CNS) — Take risks and do not let life’s obstacles get in the way of encountering the true joy and life that Jesus can give, Pope Francis told more than 1 million young people.

Bishop William F. Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, explains that World Youth Day should be a pilgrimage, not a vacation.

He didn't bring the delegates to their feet in cheers, but evoked heads bowed in silent prayer.

The second day of catechesis challenged pilgrims to become a missionary of mercy by showing compassion, love and a caring attitude toward anyone who is suffering.

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO KRAKOW, POLAND (CNS) — The world, not religion, is waging a war in pieces, Pope Francis said.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (CNS) — Mike Piazza, the superstar catcher inducted July 24 into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, gave credit to his Catholic faith for his success during his induction speech.

The cardinal preached to an estimated 200,000 pilgrims from 187 countries in Krakow's Blonia Park