Archbishop Chaput to bring civic leaders to Rome for meeting with Pope Francis

The archbishop, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced at a press conference March 7 that they will travel with a group of top business execs to Rome to plan for the 2015 World Meeting of Families — and, possibly, the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia.

Concerns raised about pace of U.S. response to global religious rights

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The role of an ambassador-level position in bringing attention to abuses of religious freedom internationally is being emphasized by those who want a vacancy filled quickly or another position created to focus on specific regions — or both.

On first Friday of Lent, pope speaks on nature of true fasting

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis criticized those who practice fasting as a mere ritual, rather than as a sacrifice representative of a religion of love.

Lenten Fast for Families draws attention to immigration reform efforts

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The traditional Lenten practice of fasting is being paired this year with the latest round of an ongoing campaign called Fast for Families, intended to bring attention to the campaign for immigration reform.

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, more than two dozen presidents of Catholic colleges and universities pledged to fast for 24 hours in support of the effort.

The pope said what about civil unions?

He actually didn’t say he favored civil unions for homosexual persons. He just spoke in generalities about the topic in Italian, according to an English language spokesman.

Malvern hosts retreat for widows and widowers

Those who have lost a spouse will have an opportunity for spiritual reflection and refreshment during a day of reflection March 26 at Malvern Retreat House.

One baby from 3 or 4 parents? Ethicists weigh in as FDA mulls research

A new technique creating “genetically modified humans” could pass on genetic alterations with unknown implications for future generations, ethicists fear. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia deplored “destroying two other humans to reconstitute a third.”

Spiritual approach to aging marks Little Sisters of the Poor ministry

The religious order runs nursing homes in Philadelphia and St. Louis where the sisters are available at any time to respond to residents’ needs. Lay staff members do much of the work but the sisters’ presence is unmistakable.

Vatican board OKs reported miracle attributed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen

A board of medical experts who advise the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has unanimously approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Archbishop Sheen. The full congregation and Pope Francis would have to approve the miracle cure of a stillborn baby for the archbishop to be declared “blessed.”

Pope talks to priests about mercy, hearing confession

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Repeating his frequent call to go out into the world and meet people where they are, Pope Francis told Rome’s priests that their ministry of mercy through the sacrament of penance, is especially needed by “people who have left the church because they don’t want anyone to see their wounds.”