National News
Study of women deacons won’t be first, but might answer questions
When Pope Francis pledged May 12 to form a commission to study the possibility of women serving as deacons today, church experts began weighing in on a topic that a 2002 advisory panel failed to resolve.
Obama directive on transgender access to facilities ‘deeply disturbing’
"The guidance contradicts a basic understanding of human formation so well expressed by Pope Francis: that 'the young need to be helped to accept their own body as it was created.'"
Group plans to end 11-year presence in closed Massachusetts church
A representative of the Friends of Frances X. Cabrini, the organization that has occupied the church, said members would meet May 29 to "finalize their transition."
Pharmaceutical firm hailed for ban on supplying drugs for executions
"The medical community's mission is to save lives; Pfizer's actions ... are consistent with that mission."
Pope gets media’s attention as he rebrands church, papacy, says priest
"We have a pope who is concerned about the environment, about mercy, compassion and love, and a deep passion, care and concern for the poor and for displaced peoples of this earth," he added.
Notre Dame gives Laetare Medal to Biden, Boehner over critics’ objections
Notre Dame president, Father John I. Jenkins, has defended the choice, saying that the two men are not being honored for policy positions but for their public service.
Cardinal encourages Notre Dame graduates to rely on faith to change world
"Your generation faces great challenges to the whole idea we are all part of God's plan ... and called to make this world a better place," Cardinal Wuerl said.
Supreme Court sends HHS mandate case back to lower courts
In the case challenging the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive requirement, the high court said May 16 that religious employers should have "an opportunity ... that accommodates petitioners' religious exercise."
Alabama governor praised for signing bill to ban dismemberment abortions
He signed a second bill that prohibits abortion clinics from operating within 2,000 feet of elementary and middle schools.
Faith-based diplomacy has potential to make world better, say speakers
"We have a primary role to delegitimize, to unmask, the false interpretation of religious texts as justification for acts of violence," Archbishop Auza said.