National News
$20M loan allows U.S. mission society to expand in Africa
The four-year loan from the U.S. international development bank will allow the Pontifical Mission Societies to expand Catholic social-impact investing in sub-Saharan Africa.
Catholic leaders call for end to violence against transgender people
Noting the victims of "fatal violence," a joint statement said it is "critical" that Catholics "prevent any further discrimination or harm" starting with "Catholic leaders underscoring the humanity of our dear neighbors."
Human rights rejected when elderly are cast aside, says U.N. nuncio
Too often the elderly are "thrown aside" and deemed "no longer needed," said the Vatican's observer to the United Nations, who called for cherishing their inherent value.
At 105, Catholic woman beats COVID-19 with faith and a little gin
Lucia DeClerck of New Jersey survived the 1918 pandemic, two world wars, the loss of three husbands, one son and many of her doctors. Her secret: prayer and nine golden raisins soaked in gin every day.
Texas Senate OKs abortion bills; looks to overturn of Roe
Seven bills restrict access to abortion as early as six weeks, and one measure bans it if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns 1973's Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide.
Poll finds church membership continues downward trend
Church membership has dropped to 47% of the respondents to a Gallup Poll, the first time below 50%. But the findings do not necessarily mean that people have lost faith in God, church observers said.
Catholics pray for end to anti-Asian hate crimes, violence
Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic groups and a number of Catholic bishops are calling on all "to address prejudice and anti-Asian bias ... (and) work toward healing and unity."
Unborn baby with poor prognosis surrounded with love, prayers, music
Although Fulton Joseph Hood has only a 5% chance to live after birth because of Potter's syndrome, don't expect gloom in the Hood household of Peoria, Illinois. His mom, dad and five siblings are praying and singing for a miracle.
Catholic leaders welcome eviction moratorium extension to June 30
The CDC said the extension was necessary to prevent millions of renter households from being forced from their homes in the coming weeks due to unpaid rent debt that one study estimates to be up to $52 billion.
Archbishop’s book tackles things ‘Christians should be willing to die for’
Retired Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput's new book takes a grand tour of the past, an unflinching look at the future and an urging for Christians to preach the Gospel clearly with "gusto" and joy to an America that's "in bad shape."