News
Australian priest: Asia Bibi decision sets legal precedent in Pakistan
While Bibi is a Christian, the majority imprisoned under Pakistan's blasphemy laws are Muslims, whose cases often emerge from professional enmity, jealousy, business rivalry and other factors. Pakistan's blasphemy laws are regularly abused to settle vendettas.
The church online: Synod calls for virtuous digital outreach
"Log on, but bring your brain, your Bible and your Christian values with you" could summarize one of the Synod of Bishops' messages to Catholics young and old.
People must choose: path toward holiness or nothing, pope says
Saints are not just the well-known men, women and young people on the liturgical calendar, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.
Local Jewish-Catholic center offers insight, hope after Pittsburgh massacre
Hate speech and nonstop negative news are among the many deep, complex roots of anti-Semitism, according to experts at the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations of St. Joseph's University. The task of healing such ancient wounds requires "time, courage and a lot of everyday people."
Bible has power to transform lives, pope says
Through God's word, Christians can taste the sweetness of his love like honey and also feel the sharp sting of a sword that purifies them from sin, Pope Francis said.
Australian nun ordered to leave Philippines by Nov. 3
Sister Patricia Fox, Philippine superior of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, had sought for six months to overturn repeated government decisions to deport her after she was accused of participating in partisan political activities.
Pakistani priest in Phila. recounts own persecution after Asia Bibi’s acquittal
Seven years ago, Father Tariq Isaac and his family fled Pakistan to escape attacks from Islamic extremists. Now the chaplain of Philadelphia's Pakistani Catholic community, he urges area Catholics to support their persecuted brethren through prayer and solidarity.
Aging conference looks to archdiocese for senior housing models
Professionals in town for a national gathering Oct. 28-31 met with staff from Catholic Housing and Community Services to discuss affordable living for a growing elderly population.
In northeastern Kenya, Catholic priest finds, rescues vulnerable children
Father Francis Riwa, 62, has helped street children, orphans and poor nomadic children in the desert region of Kenya. He has founded several Catholic churches and schools in predominantly Muslim northern Kenya, where it has been always rare to find a place of Christian worship.
Lay Catholics urged to channel anger at church abuse crisis to reform
Although the current sexual abuse crisis in the church is similar to what the church faced in 2002 when reports of past abuse and cover-up came out of Boston, how Catholics are responding this time is different.