National News
‘Unity prevails over conflict,’ papal nuncio tells US bishops
Recalling "there were some expressions of 'dissent'" when U.S. bishops were asked last year to table proposals on handling sexual abuse by bishops, the Vatican's ambassador said "the Holy Spirit keeps the church united even amid honest disagreements."
Plan outlines restrictions on bishops facing claim of abuse
A proposal presented to bishops on the first day of their much-anticipated meeting in Baltimore would limit a retired bishop's scope of ministry in the face of a credible accusation of sexual misconduct.
Nuncio discusses migration, religious freedom, faith in changing society
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's representative in the U.S., said the immigration issue was not easy but solutions are possible, and church leaders must accompany Catholics through "painful" changes.
Judge OKs $60 million settlement in Haitian orphanage abuse case
UPDATED - Fairfield University and several Catholic organizations and individuals will pay a settlement to 170 Haitian children at a Catholic orphanage who were abused by convicted pedophile Douglas Perlitz.
Bishops urged to pass ‘effective’ policies on accountability, transparency
Ahead of their spring general assembly in Baltimore, several bishops have expressed a need for greater lay involvement in implementing a new universal law from Pope Francis, effective June 1, to safeguard the church's members from abuse and hold its leaders accountable.
New York court says archbishop’s remains must be transferred to Peoria
Following the ruling, the body of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen will be transferred from St. Patrick's Cathedral to his home diocese in Illinois, a move that is hoped to accelerate the media pioneer's cause for canonization.
Bishop bars Illinois Catholic lawmakers who back abortion from Communion
The June 6 decree was issued in response to legislative leaders who "have shown obstinate and persistent support of extreme abortion legislation," and specifically named House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton "due to their leadership roles" in passing several bills.
Ukrainian Catholics discuss future of their church in North America
Reaching youth and fostering Ukrainian religious and ethnic identity amid a larger majority culture are on the agenda at the June 6 gathering, which was convoked by the newly enthroned Metropolitan Archbishop Boris Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
In video, archbishop overseeing West Virginia probe expresses regret
Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore said that the investigation into former Bishop Michael J. Bransfield should not have redacted the names, including his own, of bishops and officials who had received gifts from the cleric, who stands accused of sexual and financial misconduct.
Try, try again: Bishops to address abuse, accountability among their own
When the U.S. bishops gather for their June 11-14 meeting, they will again debate four proposals for the investigation of abuse or cover up of abuse by bishops. They did not vote on proposals in November at the request of the Vatican.