News
Vatican team investigating abuse cover-ups to return to Chile
To promote healing after reports of sexual abuse and cover-ups, Pope Francis will send Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and Father Jordi Bertomeu Farnos back to Chile.
Pope names apostolic visitor to Medjugorje
Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office, told journalists that Archbishop Henryk Hoser "will reside in Medjugorje" and that his mission does not involve investigating the authenticity of the alleged apparitions.
Cardinal accuses U.N. peacekeepers of complicity in CAR attacks
"Instead of helping provide security for the civilian population, they spend their time conspiring with the rebels to commit crimes of a religious nature," Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga said.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Arkansas abortion law
The Supreme Court's decision May 29 not to hear a case against an Arkansas abortion law, thus letting the state's restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs stand, will have broad impact, say those on both sides of the issue.
Hawaii parishioners displaced by lava ask for prayers
According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, 82 structures to date have been destroyed by lava in this latest outflow from Kilauea Volcano, erupting continuously since 1983.
Mass of support planned for Maryland town hit hard again by massive flood
For the second time in three years, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore will celebrate a Mass at St. Paul Church in the historic town of Ellicott City, where residents are again taking stock after another devastating flash flood.
So-called honor killing in Catholic family shocks Indian state
The murder of a socially poor Dalit Catholic man who had married a woman belonging to an upper-caste Syrian Christian family has fueled protests across India's southern state of Kerala.
Bolivian cardinal-designate says report on secret family slanderous
"If these accusations persist, I will have no problem in launching a legal complaint for libel against those who promote or spread it," Cardinal-designate Toribio Ticona Porco said.
Holy Spirit offers gifts that should be cherished, pope says
Pope Francis asked Catholics to recognize and be thankful for the undeserved gift of the Holy Spirit they received with the sacrament of confirmation.
State Department releases annual report on international religious freedom
UPDATED - Everyone has "a stake in this fight" for religious freedom, said the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, Sam Brownback.