National News
Five Texas missions, including the Alamo, declared World Heritage Sites
Five centuries-old Spanish missions in Texas newly declared as World Heritage Sites by a U.N. agency "have helped to shape the face of San Antonio," said Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller.
Advocates urge continued funding of adult stem-cell research, treatment
"These programs are examples of how the Congress can inspire innovation to bring cures to patients across America," said one witness, Dr. Jeffrey W. Chell, CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program.
Iowans urged to use first vote to press on environmental problems
Catholic Iowans were encouraged to talk about care for the environment with presidential candidates before the Iowa caucus, the first step in the national election process.
Key to peace, justice is kinship, Jesuit priest tells fellow clergy
"If kinship were our goal, we wouldn't be seeking justice, we'd be celebrating it!" Father Greg Boyle said June 29 in St. Louis at the assembly of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests.
Independence Day Mass closes U.S. bishops’ annual Fortnight for Freedom
Religious freedom is "the human right that guarantees all other rights," Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski said July 4 in his homily at the closing Mass of the U.S. bishops' fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom.
Oklahoma archbishop says ruling on Ten Commandments statue ‘concerning’
By ordering the removal of a Ten Commandments monument from the state Capitol grounds, the Oklahoma Supreme Court is ignoring the historical significance of the moral code "in the formation of our state," said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley.
Dominican Republic court ruling to revoke Haitians’ citizenship decried
A Dominican Republic court decision rescinding the citizenship of Haitians born in that country "has caused a moral and civil outcry against this seemingly unjust law," Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said at a special Mass.
Court reinforces order blocking Pa. dioceses from HHS mandate
The Supreme Court continued to shield the Pittsburgh and Erie dioceses from having to provide employees with health care coverage that includes contraceptives.
Pope will have ‘profound, lasting impact’ on New Yorkers, says cardinal
The 30 hours or so Pope Francis will spend in New York in September will be relatively brief, but "his presence here among us will have a profound and lasting impact on all New Yorkers, said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.
Pope will visit as ‘pastor,’ not ‘politician,’ says Washington cardinal
Pope Francis will make history during his visit to Washington in September, when he becomes the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and he says the first canonization Mass to be celebrated in the United States.