NATION/WORLD

The Vatican has lifted its ban on the ordination of married men to the priesthood in Eastern Catholic churches outside their traditional territories, including in the United States, Canada and Australia.

At his installation as the ninth archbishop of Chicago Nov. 18, Archbishop Blase J.Cupich urged the congregation at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral to fearlessly share their faith recognizing that God calls them "to more" and "to greater things."

Pope Francis spent a Sunday afternoon at the papal villas in Castel Gandolfo, having lunch at the papal farm and blessing two new statues by an Argentine artist.

Lebanon's Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops called for the international community to work toward achieving peace in Syria and Iraq and for putting an end to terrorist organizations.

Pope Francis said he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, making it the first confirmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America.

Faith always has been transmitted best through example, but with young people constantly bombarded by images of all kinds, living models of a commitment to truth and love are more important than ever, Pope Francis said.

Starting in Fall 2015, University of Mary students will have the option of completing a bachelor’s degree in 2.6 years and a master’s degree in four. Hailed as Year-Round Campus, this first-of-its-kind option provides a new and radical pathway for completing traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time and at a lower cost, with normal course loads and a full college experience.

Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City offered prayers during Mass Nov. 9 for Mexico's 43 missing teacher trainees, who authorities allege were captured by crooked cops, killed by organized crime and had their bodies burned.

Four of the daily homilies of Pope Francis over the 19 months of his pontificate in particular help explain the direction he has taken in ecumenism and interreligious efforts, said a priest who has served as a Vatican spokesman during events including the recent extraordinary Synod of Bishops.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said the sudden end to the division of Europe was prepared by the prayers and sacrifice of many people, including St. John Paul II.