National News
Puerto Rico religious leaders welcome debt relief plan
A restructuring plan years in the making will cut the U.S. territory's debt by 80% and reduce stress on the economy, say 15 leaders. They also called for better efforts to reduce poverty and prioritize economic development.
Congress eyeing consequences of war crimes for Putin
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey held a House hearing March 8 to review ways of holding the Russian leader accountable for his invasion of Ukraine that began Feb. 24.
CRS leader sees swelling needs of Ukraine refugees
In response to more than 2 million people, primarily women and children, fleeing the war in Ukraine in recent weeks, Catholic Relief Services CEO Sean Callahan outlined the ways in which CRS is working with Catholic agencies to aid the refugees.
Ukraine exodus is fastest-growing refugee crisis since WWII
As of March 8, at least 2 million have fled Ukraine in the days following Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of the East European nation, said the U.N.'s commissioner for refugees. The crisis is expected to worsen among Ukraine's 44 million residents.
Archbishop Gudziak: ‘Morally, Ukraine has won this war’
The highest ranking Ukrainian Catholic prelate in the U.S., Philadelphia Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak, recommends three ways U.S. Catholics can help Ukraine. The spiritual battle underway there "entails great suffering."
Late Erie, Pa., bishop gave ‘a full life of service’ to church
Bishop Donald W. Trautman was laid to rest March 7. After leading the Erie Diocese from 1990 to 2012, he was implicated in the Pa. grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse. Though he always wanted to be "a humble country parish priest, I never was."
Supreme Court allows Kentucky AG to defend state’s abortion law
While Kentucky's Democratic governor would not enforce an abortion ban, the state's Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron now can, the high court ruled 8-1.
Listening is an important part of pope’s ministry, panel says
A Georgetown discussion explored Pope Francis' vision for the synod underway in the Catholic Church that, although "beset by problems," is "embarking on something new" that calls everyone to live the "mission of loving God and our neighbors."
Cardinal joins Biden, and later Archbishop Gudziak, in praying for Ukraine
Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory, after praying with President Joe Biden at the White House and distributing ashes March 2, later celebrated a Mass with the Ukrainian archbishop of Philadelphia in solidarity and prayer for peace in Ukraine.
Prayers urged for U.S. troops, families in Europe
The archbishop of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services said the soldiers and their families serving in the build up of NATO forces in Europe are active in civilian parishes and schools, and "need support, interest and prayerful concern."