News
Pope names lay Italian journalist to head Vatican communications
Paolo Ruffini, 61, was named prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication July 5, making him the first layperson to head such a high-level Vatican department. He brings decades of experience in print and broadcast journlism.
Church leaders pledge to support, cooperate with new Mexican president
The Mexican bishops conference extended congratulations to presidential election winner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who won a landslide victory on an agenda of change and promises to combat corruption and poverty.
South Sudanese cease-fire agreement creates hope for long-lasting peace
Catholic leaders in South Sudan expressed optimism that a new peace agreement between the government and rebel forces would hold despite allegations of violations in some remote frontlines.
Australian archbishop sentenced to a year of house arrest in abuse case
Stone told the court that the sentence was appropriate given that the archbishop's mental and physical conditions precluded a strict prison term.
UK judge dismisses challenge to ‘buffer zone’ around abortion clinic
High Court Judge Mark Turner said that Ealing Council in London was justified in creating a 328-foot exclusion zone around a Marie Stopes UK clinic.
ARCIC document hailed as ‘groundbreaking’ by Catholics and Anglicans
Members of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission expressed excitement about a fresh approach to ecumenism outlined in a statement that has taken seven years to produce.
Middle East plays vital role in promoting Christian unity, cardinal says
UPDATED - "The Middle East, which is a martyred region, is a place where ecumenical relations are strongest and most promising, particularly between Orthodox and Catholics," said Cardinal Kurt Koch.
Catholics, Anglicans complete work on structures of authority, communion
The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission published its first document in 13 years on how both institutions can learn from each other in the exercise of ecclesial authority locally, regionally and globally.
Bishops end border visit calling for urgent reunification of children
UPDATED - A group of Catholic bishops saw the faces of relief from migrants who had been released by immigration authorities, but ended their two-day journey to the border visiting detained migrant children.
Timeline of key events in U.S. immigration law, asylum and border policy
In the last 127 years, some two dozen developments stand out in a review of national policies regarding new arrivals to the United States. At times the doors were open to newcomers, and at other times, closed.