National News

New Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge thanks retiring predecessor

The Philadelphia native, who will be installed as head of the Virginia diocese Dec. 4, was named by the pope to succeed an old friend, Bishop Paul Loverde.

Faith and politics take the stage in vice presidential debate

Near the end of the debate, candidates Mike Pence and Tim Kaine were asked to talk about a time when they struggled to balance personal faith and a public policy position. Both referenced their Catholic Christian roots.

The ‘new’ Francis has brought renewal, say followers of beloved saint

"We have to acknowledge a renewed Franciscan spirit in our world precisely because of this new Francis who has shaken up the church, shaken up the world and hopefully shaken up all of us," said Franciscan Father Tom Washburn, referring to Pope Francis.

Relevant Radio airs novena from national shrine in Wisconsin across U.S.

On the Aug. 15, Green Bay Bishop David L. Ricken announced that the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion had been formally designated as a national shrine by the U.S. bishops.

Seven Catholic institutions will divest from fossil fuel companies

The organizations join a growing movement that is seeing hundreds of groups worldwide divest from companies involved in the extraction of coal, oil and natural gas and toward firms developing renewable energy.

Bishop Michael Burbidge named head of Arlington Diocese

UPDATED -- Pope Francis appointed the former auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, now the bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina, to lead the Virginia diocese. The pope also named a new archbishop for Anchorage, Alaska.

Use of death penalty re-examined in the states, at Supreme Court

The United States, with its mixed record on the death penalty, is about to take a closer look at the issue this fall with two cases before the Supreme Court and three referendums on state ballots in the November election.

SOA Watch to hold border demonstration against ‘militarization’ of region

"We are in solidarity with people who have been incarcerated for no other reason than seeking a better life for themselves and their families," he said.

Most Catholics want company health plans to cover contraception

A new Pew Research Center survey showed polarization of views among Americans, including Catholics. Also, about 80 percent of Americans said they could not understand views opposed to those they held.

San Diego bishop calls for calm, police transparency in shooting case

Bishop Robert McElroy said Sept. 29 the Catholic community was saddened by the shooting death of Alfred Olango by police officers Sept. 27. Since the shooting, protesters have marched in the streets of El Cajon.