News
‘A victory for women is a victory for humanity,’ pope says on Marian feast
The world will not know peace unless there is an end to violence against women, the exploitation of their bodies and the denial of their dignity, Pope Francis said on the Jan. 1 feast of Mary, Mother of God.
Pope begins New Year with apology, prayers for peace
At his Jan. 1 Angelus address, Pope Francis said he regretted his "bad example" when he became impatient with a tourist, and urged people to "never stop hoping in a world of peace."
Catholic publications join in naming people of the year
Archbishop Jose Gomez, St. John Henry Newman, Nancy Pelosi and teen hero Kendrick Castillo were among a number of individuals recognized by Catholic media.
First clergy abuse suits under new California law announced
Twelve cases in nine California dioceses are set to be announced under the state's new Child Victims Act, which as of Jan. 1 extends the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors.
God is at work in the world, pope says at prayer service closing 2019
Speaking in Rome Dec. 31, Pope Francis said that Christ continues to dwell in the hearts of men and women, "urging them to believe, to hope despite everything, and to love by working for the good of all."
Put the phone away and talk to each other, pope urges families
During his Dec. 29 Angelus address, Pope Francis prayed that people all over the world would end 2019 "in peace" and that families would mark New Year's by "communicating with one another."
Maltese cardinal, patristic scholar, dies at 94
Cardinal Prosper Grech had said a few years prior to his Dec. 30 death that the church proclaims the good news of salvation by "presenting the Gospel without shortcuts, without diluting the word."
Nigerian diocesan spokesman: Bridal party beheaded en route to wedding
The Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri confirmed that Martha Bulus and her companions were killed Dec. 26 at Gwoza, in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Texas bishops offer prayers for those affected by fatal church shooting
Following the Dec. 29 shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio and Bishop Edward J. Burns of Dallas said they prayed that sin and evil would not overtake society.
Catholic, Christian, Muslim voices condemn knife attack on N.Y. rabbi
The Dec. 28 assault during a Hanukkah celebration, which wounded five, was denounced by numerous clerics, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who said it was "totally contrary to everything that people of faith stand for."