News
Abuse crisis, prayer top agenda for bishops’ meeting
UPDATED - Discussion and voting on concrete measures to address the abuse crisis and a day of spiritual discernment will be the focus for the U.S. bishops when they meet Nov. 12-14.
African church warns against illusions of ‘gospel of prosperity’
The "prosperity gospel" touted by U.S. televangelists suggests God rewards donors to a church with material benefits. Although the movement is gaining ground in Africa, the church aims to empower people through education and job training.
Former nuncio to U.S. heard rumors of McCarrick misconduct in 1994
Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan, the 93-year-old retired papal diplomat, recalled a phone conversation as an "expression of concern," which he turned over to New York Cardinal John O'Connor to investigate.
Synod document: Listen to, support, guide, include young people
The Catholic Church and all its members must get better at listening to young people, taking their questions seriously, recognizing them as full members of the church, patiently walking with them and offering guidance as they discern the best way to live their faith, the Synod of Bishops said.
Synod’s words on ‘synodal’ church puzzle some people
"Synodality," which means "walking together" and is a key concept of Pope Francis' papacy, was used repeatedly in the final document of the Synod of Bishops on young people but infrequently in synod discussions.
Big unknown: Scope of federal investigation of Pa. Catholic Church
Observers speculate that the federal probe of the church might focus on the RICO law designed to target organized crime, or the Mann Act, which prohibits moving people across state lines for illegal sex acts.
Defend church from those who seek to destroy it, pope says
"The great accuser wants to attack" and persecute mother church through "continuous accusations," but "no one touches the mother!" Pope Francis said Oct. 27.
Pope apologizes to young people who have felt ignored by the church
Speaking on behalf of all adult Catholics, Pope Francis formally closed the Synod of Bishops by asking young people for forgiveness. "Forgive us if often we have not listened to you," he said.
Church and world need young people’s involvement, synod fathers say
Writing to the world's young people, members of the Synod of Bishops wanted to encouraged youths and help them fulfill their dreams. The bishops prayed their own failings would not drive the young from the church.
Archbishop Chaput: Anti-Semitism has no place in America
"The special evil of anti-Semitism," the archbishop said in a statement, "has not been stamped out" but has been resurgent. He prayed the tragedy would be "a statewide wake-up call to resist religious hatred.