National News
Vandalism on basilica grounds prompts sorrow, forgiveness for perpetrator
A 20-year-old suspect was arrested and confessed to desecrating 16 statues, causing $100,000 of damage at a Youngstown basilica. The pastor and parishioners said their "heart goes out to the young man who did this."
Catholic scholars: Any available COVID-19 vaccine is morally acceptable
The members of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington agreed with Bishop Kevin Rhoades and said there was "no real distinction between the vaccines in terms of their connection to an abortion many decades ago."
Woman religious honored as one of International Women of Courage
Comboni Sister Alicia Vacas Moro, a Spanish missionary and nurse, was one of 14 women to receive an award from the U.S. State Department. Last year she went to Italy to care for elderly sisters where 45 of the convent's 60 residents had COVID and 10 sisters later died.
U.S. bishops find ‘comfort in God’s promise’ in year of pandemic
Going forward from COVID-19, racial injustices and political divisions, people must build on the many acts of sacrifice and kindness exhibited during the year, said the USCCB Administrative Committee in its pastoral message.
Minnesota faith leaders pray for peace, justice during Floyd trial
Praying to God "as a people who thirst for justice (and) hunger as well for peace," the archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered with over 100 other faith leaders ahead of the trial of a white former city police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in custody last May.
Americans’ mental health needs grow dramatically amid pandemic
Catholic Charities agencies say high numbers of people searching for help with anxiety and depression -- especially young people and jobless adults -- shows that the stigma society holds about mental illness is waning.
Pandemic relief bill must pass without abortion funding, bishops say
UPDATED -- The American Rescue Plan Congress is considering would pit the great need Americans have for economic relief against those who insist the bill must include abortion funding, said the leadership of the U.S. bishops.
Doctors seek permanent relief from mandate to do transgender surgeries
Attorneys for doctors and hospitals argued in court that they shouldn't be forced to perform gender-transition surgeries required under the Affordable Care Act. Four courts have issued temporary rulings against the mandate.
New Mexico abortion, assisted suicide bills called ‘gravely disappointing’
A bill requiring suicide be offered to hospice patients comes "as we struggle to dissuade our young people from taking their lives. With these bills, I wonder, what have we become?" said Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester.
Remains of Father Emil Kapaun, Korean War military chaplain, identified
A U.S. government forensic team confirmed the remains of the Kansas priest and Army chaplain who died in a prison camp. He was awarded the nation's highest honor posthumously and is a candidate for sainthood.