Congo

As the death toll from the flooding and landslides in Congo surpassed 400, Catholic bishops in the country expressed their deep sorrow at the disaster, while calling for support.

In the spotlight: papal trip to Congo and South Sudan, feast of St. Blaise, Cardinal Pell funeral

Pope Francis is scheduled to fly first to Congo for a visit Jan. 31-Feb. 3 before meeting up in Juba, South Sudan, with Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury and the Rev. Iain Greenshields, moderator of the Church of Scotland.

Pope Francis’ fifth trip to the African continent will highlight gestures of peace and reconciliation, consoling the victims of violence but also emphasizing the importance of each person sowing peace in the family, the neighborhood and the nation.

In the spotlight: Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Ukraine, Peace Light

In focus: Vatican creche, marker honoring the enslaved, papal trip to Africa

In focus: Death row inmate receives temporary reprieve, Indiana abortion law challenged, Ethiopia cardinal welcomes peace agreement

In focus: Attack on Pelosi’s husband, Buffalo abuse settlement, kidnap victims freed