National News

Congress urged to keep funding school choice

Washington, D.C., Catholic school students want Congress to reauthorize a program that since 2004 has given scholarships to 6,000 students in the city.

Priest tells Obama about Cuban exiles’ suffering, longing for freedom

"Only in the United States that's possible," said Father Juan Rumin Dominguez, rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, as he recalled the whirlwind, completely unexpected visit of President Barack Obama early in the afternoon of May 28.

Meeting U.S. president an ’emotional’ moment for shrine’s secretary

Those who know Cristina Brito -- or follow her Facebook postings -- know that she is not a fan of President Barack Obama. Nevertheless, she said after meeting him May 28, "I feel very happy. Very emotional."

Events planned nationwide for Fortnight for Freedom

The fourth annual observance starting June 21 will encourage Catholics to learn about religious freedom and promote the free practice of religion in the U.S.

Notre Dame U. professor sued for child sexual abuse

Father Virgilio Elizondo, recognized as the father of U.S. Latino religious thought, has been accused of sexually abusing an unidentified boy more than 30 years ago.

Make teachings on homosexuality understandable, says priest

Father Paul Check, director of Courage for the past eight years, said Catholics with same-sex attraction would be also more likely to "understand what the church teaches if it became more plain to them that they have a place in the church."

New pastoral looks at Catholics’ identity, today’s challenges to faith

Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl has issued a new pastoral letter "about who we are as Catholics. We will reflect on our identity as disciples of Jesus -- followers of Christ -- adopted children of God," he notes in the introduction.

U.N. inaction on nuclear weapons ‘disappointing’ to Catholic advocates

The disappointment stems from the failure of the nuclear weapons states to heed the arguments of the advocates, nongovernmental organizations and non-nuclear nations on the moral imperative to more rapidly shrink weapons stockpiles because of the threat they pose to humanity.

Nebraska bishops welcome override of veto of bill ending death penalty

The state's three Catholic bishops had supported the bill, saying it reflects Catholic teaching and that use of the death penalty cannot be justified today.

Block on immigration plan stays in place

The Obama administration's expansion of a deferred deportation program remains on hold after a new ruling by a federal appeals court.