Europe
The Latest
Vatican statistics: Catholic population shrinks in Europe, rises everywhere else
The Catholic population decline coincided with a total population reduction on the continent, which recorded a net loss of 517,000... Read more
In Belgium, Pope Francis gives strong warning over scandal of abuse, cover-up
The Holy Father urged the Belgian bishops to bring the evil of abuse to light and not to cover up... Read more
PHOTOS: Pope Francis meets king and queen of Belgium at Laeken Castle
King Philippe ascended the Belgian throne in 2013 and holds the title “Rex Catholicissimus,” or “(Most) Catholic Majesty.” Read more
Vatican secretary of state warns of Europe’s low birth rates, ‘demographic winter’
Cardinal Pietro Parolin in an interview with Vatican Media said Europe “greatly needs” to rediscover its Christian roots and face... Read more
Pope Francis says the Catholic Church is ‘more alive’ outside of Europe
In his first general audience since returning from the longest international trip of his pontificate, the pope expressed gratitude to... Read more
Cardinal Schönborn: ‘We must accept the decline of Europe’
The Austrian cardinal said that despite the decline of the Church’s influence in Europe, he is convinced that the Church... Read more
German AfD party member challenges removal from church volunteer positions
The decision, supported by the Archdiocese of Paderborn, has sparked controversy and will likely lead to legal challenges. Read more
Firefighters quell blaze at French cathedral
Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol confirmed the incident on social media, sharing an image showing smoke rising from the cathedral’s spire. Read more
400,000 Germans quit Catholic Church as talks between Vatican, Synodal Way continue
The meeting on Friday resulted in Rome demanding the Germans change the name of the body and agree it cannot... Read more
EU bishop: Elections show citizens concerned about Ukraine war
The bishop also spoke about the importance of pushing the new EU commission and parliament to reinforce diplomatic action toward... Read more
Catholic group urges European Parliament to address ‘demographic winter,’ protect children
As this weekend’s elections kick off across EU member states, the policy toolkit “invites incoming parliamentarians to prioritize families in... Read more
Germany thwarts terror plot: Teenage suspects reportedly planned attacks on churches
The Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects, between 15 and 16 years old, were apprehended over the Easter... Read more
Ireland celebrates 1,500th anniversary of St. Brigid’s death
On Thursday, Ireland celebrates the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid of Kildare, the Emerald Isle’s female patron... Read more
Nationalist Firebrand Geert Wilders wins Dutch election in electoral upset
Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party dominated the Dutch election on Wednesday. Read more
‘Anti-Christian hate crimes’ in Europe up 44% in past year, watchdog group says
The spike in anti-Christian incidents is “connected to a rise in extremist motivation and a higher acceptance of the targeting... Read more
Vatican joins interfaith declaration on fighting climate change
The Holy See has signed an interfaith declaration on taking action to protect the environment during a religious summit held... Read more
Polish elections point to possible shift in country’s abortion laws, ‘political clashes’
Liberal opposition parties won a significant political victory over Poland’s conservative Law and Justice Party on Sunday. Read more
Police: Suspect in theft of Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross arrested
A 53-year-old suspect has been arrested in the theft of Pope Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross. Read more
Bishops condemn European Union’s drafting of ‘right to abortion’
In its Tuesday statement, the bishops argued that the measure would constitute an “ethical indefensibility” against human rights and European... Read more
On World Refugee Day, Pope Francis urges action; companies pledge to hire refugees
The pope called for greater hospitality “without excuses and without delay, because the effects will be felt, sooner or later,... Read more
