National News

Catholics urged to affirm beauty, ‘liberating truth’ of ‘Humanae Vitae’

"Humanae Vitae" ("Of Human Life'') reaffirmed the church's teaching against the use of artificial birth control and contraceptive sterilization. Promulgated July 25, 1968, the encyclical was Blessed Paul's last.

Chaldean archbishop: Time to be ‘honest’ in dialogue with Muslims

If Christians in the Middle East are going to be "honest" with their Muslim dialogue partners, said Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda, Muslims will have to acknowledge that the persecution of Christians in the region did not start with the Islamic State's rise to power.

Catholics urged to press Congress on passing DACA bill now

UPDATED - Members of the U.S. Senate had rejected four immigration proposals Feb. 15, leaving it unclear how lawmakers will address immigration reform and keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in place.

U.S. bishops who’ve seen gun violence up close call for end to ‘madness’

An analysis of online archives, state and federal enrollment figures, and news stories revealed that "more than 150,000 students attending at least 170 primary or secondary schools have experienced a shooting on campus."

Cardinal Cupich decries fatal shootings in Chicago, at Florida school

Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich asked for prayers for Cmdr. Bauer, his family and friends, "as well as all for those who work to maintain the peace and help the suffering here and around the world."

Archbishop: Church’s Christian anthropology is basis for social teachings

The Catholic response to today's widely debated societal issues -- from abortion to immigration to racism -- must be rooted in the church's fundamental teaching about human dignity and the "destiny of the human person," said the archbishop of Indianapolis.

DACA, TPS recipients face uncertain future, but say their love will endure

"We don't want our lives to be just defined by this. Beyond our status we're planning for a future. And together we can do that no matter where we are."

‘Dreamers’ say they’re not asking for handouts, just chance to stay

Some 800,000 youths nationwide, brought to the U.S. as children, face deportation under a plan to end DACA and without a legislative fix in Congress. "We are not taking anything away from people, we are contributing," said Angelica Velazquez, 20.

Florida school shooting an act of ‘horrifying evil,’ says Miami archbishop

UPDATED - Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski urged community members to come together "to support one another in this time of grief" after a shooting rampage Feb. 14 at a Broward County high school left at least 17 people dead.

La Civiltà Cattolica editor describes pope’s ‘diplomacy of mercy’

The head of the influential Italian magazine outlined in a speech five aspects of Pope Francis' diplomatic ministry, including the ongoing talks between the Vatican and the Chinese government over the appointment and recognition of bishops there.