News
Bishop Bransfield retires; pope orders investigation of allegations
UPDATED - Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., a former Philadelphia priest who faces allegations that he sexually harassed adults.
Women’s Catholic leadership program officially launches
A Catholic women's leadership organization, the GIVEN Institute, which aims to encourage and train young women in leadership roles in the church and society, officially launched Sept. 12.
Leaked German report shows 3,700 cases of abuse of minors in 68 years
UPDATED - The release of the document caused shock in Germany, with many criticizing the German bishops' conference for its detailed knowledge of the abuse and their silence about it.
Pittsburgh bishop asks priests to pray, fast for ‘purification of church’
Bishop David A. Zubik also invited all Catholics to join in the yearlong observance, which is taking place "in light of the scandal of child sexual abuse," the bishop said in a Sept. 11 announcement.
Supreme Court petition next step in effort to stop natural gas pipeline
The Adorers of the Blood of Christ are rooting their legal argument in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, saying that their "deeply held religious convictions about the sacredness of Earth" would be violated.
Indian nun says no church response to allegations bishop raped her
An Indian Catholic nun who claims a bishop raped her has accused the Vatican and senior church officials of inaction and silence despite her repeated complaints.
Pope accepts resignation of Brazilian bishop arrested for embezzlement
In March, Bishop Jose Ronaldo Ribeiro of Formosa was arrested and charged, along with four diocesan priests, with stealing about $606,000 of diocesan money.
Love breaks chains of slavery to sin, pope says
Only true love for God and neighbor can destroy the chains of greed, lust, anger and envy that enslave humankind, Pope Francis said.
Pope says he hopes to visit Japan in 2019
Pope Francis has received several invitations to visit Japan, including an invitation in 2013 from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Anniversary of 9/11 marked with moments of silence, prayer, Masses
Nearly 3,000 people died in the 2001 attacks in New York City and Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon.