News
Where there are lies, there can be no love, pope says
Lying or being inauthentic is seriously wrong because it hinders or harms human relationships, Pope Francis said.
Bishops say they face angry questions over mishandling of abuse reports
U.S. bishops admitted during a wide-ranging discussion during their fall general assembly that parishioners are angry and continually ask how a charismatic clergyman was able to rise through church ranks despite widespread knowledge of allegations that he sexually abused seminarians and boys.
Bishops hear frank presentations, discussion on abuse crisis
UPDATED - Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Nov. 14 he had opened the bishops' fall general assembly "expressing some disappointment," but "I end it with hope."
Psychologist addresses bishops on helping abuse victims to heal
It begins with listening, understanding, offering responses showing that they, the victim-survivors, are believed.
Dolan: Even without vote, discussing abuse protocols still ‘productive’
A Vatican request that the U.S. bishops postpone voting on several proposals to address abuse was a disappointment but they "quickly took a deep breath" and realized they could still have a productive discussion about the measures, said New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.
Nathan Carter brings ‘Celtic country music’ to Philadelphia
The popular Irish vocalist will appear in concert at the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center on Nov. 21.
Bishops discuss hotline devoted to collecting complaints against them
The "third-party system" that would collect complaints specifically involving bishops was already approved by the bishops' Administrative Committee during its meeting on Sept. 19.
Leaders detail monetary aid for victims of ‘unspeakable crimes’
Victims of sexual abuse by an archdiocesan clergyman have until next September to file a claim in the new Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program. Its managers said there will be no cap on compensation.
Standards of bishops’ accountability unveiled at USCCB meeting
A series of standards of episcopal accountability for bishops was formally unveiled Nov. 13 at the fall general meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. The standards will not be voted on during the bishops' meeting.
Bishops’ abuse response must trump all other issues, advisory group says
UPDATED - The response to this crisis needs to be more than issuing statements of regret and even establishing new mechanisms and procedures,.