National News
Archbishop Gomez echoes pope in calling for abolition of nuclear weapons
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops echoed Pope Francis' long-standing call for full nuclear disarmament as the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Japan approached.
Citing toll of COVID-19, Newark closing five schools, merging three
The elementary schools were "already experiencing formidable challenges" before the pandemic. Its economic impact is resulting in low school enrollments.
Catholic prayer, meditation app Hallow sees spike in popularity
The No. 1 app's founder discovered in meditative prayer "a beautiful combination of this deep sense of peace and love, deeper than mindfulness meditation."
Tumult of 2020 may draw young voters in big numbers
Young people's activism in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed will be seen at the polls this year, says a scholar. The U.S. has the lowest voter turnout of youth in the world.
Congress urged to help Black families choose Catholic schools
As the pandemic has "disproportionately affected" Black communities and the Catholic schools that serve them, Congress must provide immediate financial help to those families, said three U.S. bishops.
Supreme Court declines request to stop border wall construction
In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for construction to continue on portions of the Trump administration's border wall with Mexico, funding for which is opposed by the U.S. bishops.
Conversion has personal, social dimensions, Franciscan leader says
Reconciliation with God means reconciling with one's brothers and sisters and with all of creation, said Franciscan Father Michael Perry. Believers must confront "social and institutional sin" if they are serious about conversion.
‘It spreads so fast’: COVID-19 hits 15 family members
An Iowa woman is grappling with coronavirus infection across five family households, despite diligent precautions. She traces the infections to a visiting teenage niece.
Trump, Congress urged to make ‘access to quality education’ a priority
Top U.S. bishops urged help for "tuition-paying families (to) keep their Catholic and other nonpublic schools open," as Congress weighs economic stimulus bills amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Competing ideas on economic recovery seen in House, Senate bills
Two visions of what it will take to support the staggering American economy during the coronavirus pandemic are revealed in a $3 trillion House bill and $1 trillion Senate bill.