National News
Care for the poor must be top concern for bishops, some say
Several bishops faulted a draft document outlining the priorities for the U.S. bishops conference, saying it did not emphasize helping those in need.
Bishops urged to help Catholics understand upcoming encyclical
A week before the anticipated release of Pope Francis' encyclical on human ecology and the environment, the U.S. bishops were urged to help Catholics hear and understand it.
Married couples offer advice on promoting marriage vocation
U.S. bishops heard from three couples who shared their personal stories and suggestions for promoting healthy marriages and celebrating the church's teaching on marriage.
Court stays Priests for Life’s fines as HHS mandate suit moves ahead
Priests for Life won one skirmish when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia stayed any fines the organization would have to pay for not complying with the mandate.
U.S. bishops mulling big issues at spring meeting
The U.S. bishops heard presentations on the pope's environmental encyclical, traditional marriage and child abuse protection, and voted on a long-range plan.
Bishops briefed on detention center visits, advocacy on asylum, reforms
In May, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Center for Migration Studies released a scathing report, "Unlocking Human Dignity: A Plan to Transform the U.S. Immigrant Detention System," based in part on visits by bishops to detention centers around the country.
Bishops hear report on church’s ongoing efforts to defend marriage
As the institution of marriage faces unprecedented challenges, the Catholic Church continues to promote and defend marriage as being between one man and one woman, said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco.
U.S. bishops’ spring assembly opens with rapid start to social media
Communication spread rapidly as tweeting, texting, emailing and more made a seamless integration into the U.S. bishops' spring general assembly yesterday.
Bishops urged to show ‘continued vigilance’ in efforts to stop abuse
The Vatican announces a new process for holding bishops accountable for protecting children from abuse.
Church must take action to help end racism and promote justice
The U.S. bishops join with other religious and civic leaders "in pledging to work for healing and reconciliation" after a series of racial conflicts that have taken place around our country.