News
If gay priests, religious can’t be celibate, they should leave, pope says
The Catholic Church has been slow to recognize the presence of homosexual men in the priesthood, which is why superiors must exercise care in helping gay candidates prepare for a life of celibacy or leave the seminary, Pope Francis said.
Illegal drug makers, dealers are traffickers of death, pope says
Everyone must help in the fight against drugs, particularly governments which are called to confront the "traffickers of death" who produce, distribute or sell addictive substances, Pope Francis said.
Pope leads prayers for peace in ‘tormented’ Syria
Leading thousands of pilgrims in prayer, Pope Francis lit a candle in remembrance of the people of Syria, especially innocent children tormented by the country's eight-year conflict.
Church has much to do on abuse, but there ‘is hope for our future’
Reflecting on the U.S. Bishops' meeting last month, Archbishop Paul Etienne of Anchorage said the "people of God need to hear from their bishops" about the proceedings, which is what he wrote about in a Nov. 28 blog.
Landmark Ukrainian Catholic church in N.J. declared total loss after fire
The fire began in the right rear corner of the building in a concealed space between floors before it spread to the attic and then the church's roof.
3 worship sites in city, Chester County set to close
Our Lady of the Holy Souls and St. Leo in Philadelphia, plus St. Stanislaus Kostka in Coatesville, all have operated as worship sites after merging with nearby parishes. Escalating costs of maintaining them was the main reason for closure.
Solidarity with South Sudan celebrates 10 years of difficult mission
An international group of Catholics has spent the last decade developing new leaders in war-torn South Sudan, but its members have paid a heavy price for their accompaniment of that country's suffering people.
South Sudan Catholic leader: Taking more time with peace pact is good
After almost five years of civil war, South Sudan's leaders agreed to a new peace plan in September. Its implementation is spread over several months, which observers are applauding.
Court ruling ‘finally’ ends EWTN fight over HHS mandate
A federal appeals court vacated a lower court's ruling Nov. 30 that EWTN had to comply with the Obama administration-era mandate to cover contraceptives and abortifacients for employees or pay huge fines.
Nation mourns death of 41st president, recalls his life, legacy
Religious faith sustained former President George H.W. Bush and his family and was evident during his years in the White House. It is being noted by many in paying tribute to his life and legacy after his death late Nov. 30 at age 94.