Europe

The Catholic Church in France prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Normandy landings June 6, a date known as D-Day that marked the beginning of the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germany's occupation during World War II.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said allowing Ukraine to use NATO weapons to attack military targets in Russia would lead to "an escalation that no one will be able to control anymore."

French deputies began to work on the proposed "end of life" bill May 27, which, as it now stands, promises to be extremely permissive regarding euthanasia and medically assisted suicide.

Poland's bishops have warned of growing conflict with anti-clerical politicians if they press ahead with plans to remove public crosses and curb religious education in the traditionally Catholic country.

The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church has insisted his countrymen will "never surrender" to Russia's invasion and that the pope's recent call for a negotiation of terms with Moscow was "deeply hurtful" for his nation.

St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland falls into the category of beloved mythology — unless you happen to be a snake, in which case you might have a lower estimate of it.

French bishops called for fasting and prayer as abortion was enshrined in the constitution by an overwhelming 780-72 vote, accompanied by a standing ovation when the result was announced as the parliament met in Versailles.