News
Couples young and old celebrate wedding anniversaries at cathedral
Archbishop Charles Chaput was the main celebrant of the annual Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, where couples renewed their vows and shared their secrets for a successful marriage.
Pittsburgh Diocese to reduce number of parishes from 188 to 57
The plan for parish groupings to be phased in fully by 2023 addresses declining Mass attendance, down between 40 and 50 percent since 2000, and the number of active priests, projected to drop to 112 by 2025 from the current 200.
Woman maps the worldwide Catholic Church, aiding its mission
Molly Burhans uses cutting-edge software to plot data on maps, which can be used to help church leaders increase "spatial understanding" of its work and respond to issues such as rising sea levels, famine and homelessness.
Clergy abuse survivors grateful after private meetings with pope
Pope Francis met for two hours with each of three survivors of clergy sexual abuse from Chile. They said they felt they had been heard and were hopeful for changes in the way the Catholic Church handles accusations of abuse.
German bishops, Vatican officials to meet May 3 to discuss Communion
Although a 1993 church document on ecumenism appears to permit bishops to issue guidelines on Communion for non-Catholic spouses, some German bishops requested a Vatican ruling on the matter.
Even amid suffering, love highlights value of every life, pope says
As Pope Francis met with the family of a sick child, he urged that human health "be considered in a broader context," joining scientific research and efforts "to preserve and protect the natural environment."
Pope, others mourn death of British toddler Alfie Evans
British judges upheld the original decision that it was in the "best interests" of 23-month-old boy, who suffered from a severe degenerative brain condition, to be allowed to die.
Pope asks Catholics to pray rosary for peace each day in May
Since the Catholic Church dedicates May to Mary, Pope Francis will lead a recitation of the rosary on the heels of a meeting of the leaders of North and South Korea, and invited all "to spiritually join me."
Drawn by music, immersed in parish life, he’s ready for ordination
Transitional Deacon Brandon Artman will be ordained a priest in Philadelphia May 19, culminating a journey that had its seed in a model priests and sprouting through the words of an old woman in a nursing home.
Our Lady Help of Christians Church set to close as worship site
The Port Richmond church originally built by German Catholics some 130 years ago will close in June because of rising deficits for the parish into which it merged two years ago, Nativity B.V.M.