News
National Review Board expects to push bishops on abuse accountability
Members of the National Review Board see their work as one way to continue challenging the U.S. bishops "not to back down" from efforts to improve accountability in responding to clergy sexual abuse.
Bishops overwhelmingly approve letter against racism
The pastoral letter "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love" says racism "still infects our nation." It addresses racism against African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics.
Blindsided: Rome steps in, reform votes delayed
ANALYSIS - A last-minute request from the Vatican to delay action on proposed bishop accountability protocols stunned clerics, staff and journalists at the USCCB general assembly on Nov. 12.
Review board chair fears for church future if more action not taken on abuse
Francesco Cesareo, who heads the USCCB's national advisory committee on child and youth protection, called for greater accountability from bishops, and also urged them to publish complete lists of credibly accused clergy.
On 1938 pogrom anniversary, German cardinal condemns anti-Jewish violence
Cardinal Reinhard Marx protested against the increase in violence against Jews in Germany in recent years, noting "police cars stand guard at synagogues and schools." A study identified one cause as Islamic extremism imported by Muslim refugees.
Decentralization, simplification heart of curial reform, official says
Pope Francis' call for a missionary church that is focused on preaching the Gospel will be the guiding principle of the apostolic constitution that will govern the Roman Curia, the secretary of the pope's international Council of Cardinals said.
Minnesota bishop calls for ‘the strength to come clean’ on abuse
At the opening Mass for the USCCB assembly, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis reflected on the need for bishops to put their flocks first, rather than "save their own hides."
Spanish bishop urges solution among nations to resolve migrant crisis
The deaths of up to 35 migrants in the Strait of Gibraltar in a single day prompted a Spanish bishop to call for greater solidarity to address "the desperate situation that is lived by thousands of people in the north of Africa."
Temporary mobile health clinic for the poor opens in St. Peter’s Square
As workers were getting St. Peter's Square ready for this year's Nativity scene, nearby a large mobile health care facility was set up and running to serve the city's homeless and poor.
Pope Francis to visit Morocco in March
Accepting an invitation by Moroccan King Mohammed VI, the pope will visit the cities of Rabat and Casablanca March 30-31, the Vatican said in a statement Nov. 13. A detailed schedule for the trip will be released later.