National News
Dioceses restate policy on politics after criticism of priests at rally
The dioceses posted statements on their Facebook pages after four Montana Catholic priests were strongly criticized locally and nationally for wearing clerical attire to President Donald Trump's Montana rally July 5.
Hearing refugees’ stories firsthand in Lebanon heart-wrenching for bishop
"If you just listen to the radio or watch the news on TV, you don't really get the exact picture" of what life is like in that part of the world, Bishop Solis said.
President Trump picks Judge Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Nominee
UPDATED - President Donald Trump announced July 9 that his nominee for the Supreme Court is Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge in Washington and a Catholic who once clerked for retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Catholic physicians highlight lesser known dangers of contraceptive use
A team of Catholic Medical Association physicians and students are working on a comprehensive literature review of the medical effects of contraception, set to be available later this year.
Chicago cardinal praises anti-gun march on local highway
Hundreds of protesters led by Chicago priest Father Michael Pfleger and anti-gun activists filled a major Chicago highway for about an hour July 7 demanding that city officials do something to stop gun violence in the city.
Nebraska Catholic bishops oppose execution of death-row inmate
The Nebraska Supreme Court issued a death warrant July 5 for Carey Dean Moore, who would be the first inmate executed in 21 years in the state, and the first by lethal injection. The execution would have to take place Aug. 14.
Church urged to approach young people, listen to them, hear their needs
Delegates to the Region II encuentro held recently in Albany highlighted the fact that 60 percent of Catholics under age 18 are Hispanic.
South Carolina church of ‘history and beauty’ becomes minor basilica
It was announced June 24 that the historic St. Peter Church in downtown Columbia will now be known as the Basilica of St. Peter. It is the first minor basilica in South Carolina and the 85th in the United States.
US bishops’ head says Roe should not be litmus test for judicial nominees
UPDATED - Cardinal Daniel DiNardo said he has "grave concerns" that the confirmation process of a new Supreme Court justice would be "grossly distorted" by senators.
Work requirements to qualify for government aid: How well does it work?
In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that encouraged federal agencies to find ways to expand work requirements as a condition of receiving benefits.