News
East Timor government blocks president’s planned visit to Vatican
The government of East Timor, one of Asia's most Catholic countries, is blocking a planned trip by its president to the Vatican, where he plans to invite Pope Francis to visit.
Christians, Hindus can unite to defend poor, marginalized, Vatican says
Members of both faiths have a "moral duty to care for the vulnerable," which is rooted in the belief "that we are all God's creatures and, as a result, brothers and sisters, equal in dignity, with responsibility for one another," Bishop Miguel Ayuso Guixot said.
Pakistan court sets aside death sentence for woman convicted of blasphemy
Pakistan's Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Catholic convicted of blasphemy, and ordered her release from prison.
Fidelity is for every vocation, not just marriage, pope says
Married men and women, priests and religious are called to live out their vocation faithfully and follow the "path of love ... from receiving life to the ability to give life," Pope Francis said in a series of talks on the Ten Commandments.
Human bones discovered at Vatican nunciature in Italy
Italian media immediately surmised that the bones could be those of Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of a Vatican employee who presumably was kidnapped in 1983 at the age of 15. The case has never been solved.
Byzantine Catholic priest placed on leave after abuse claim found credible
Father Basil Hutsko, who was allegedly attacked in the church sacristy in August, has been removed from ministry after a 2004 abuse claim against him has now been deemed credible.
Shooting victims mourned; leaders vow to fight hate, violence
Thousands of people gathered at the University of Pittsburgh Oct. 28 at an interfaith service to mourn the victims of the horrific shooting a day earlier at the Tree of Life synagogue.
For 25 years, St. Martin serves ‘the Kingdom in North Philadelphia’
St. Martin de Porres Parish marked its 25th anniversary as the incarnation of five former parishes in North Philly. Small but vibrant, and boasting a unique men's choir, the parish believes the best is yet to come.
St. Katharine’s tomb moved to cathedral, open for prayerful visits
Moving the remains of Philadelphia's saint from the shrine in Bensalem to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul was completed Oct. 26 after 12 weeks. Archbishop Chaput will lead the formal dedication Nov. 18, to which all are invited.
Bishops to consider endorsing sainthood cause of Sister Thea Bowman
The granddaughter of slaves, she was the only African-American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and she transcended racism to leave a lasting mark on U.S. Catholic life in the late 20th century.