News
Some see crunch time, others negotiation time, for immigration woes
Supporters of youth who came to the U.S. without documents as children descended on Washington, risking arrest and seeking attention from lawmakers during what they believe is the last window of opportunity this year to pass legislation to help the youth stay in the country.
Polish church spokesman dismisses EU threat over abortion legislation
The European Parliament said it would demand EU action if legislators went ahead with new restrictions, which were backed by 830,000 Poles in a petition introduced Nov. 30 before the Sejm, the Polish parliament's lower house.
Protests cause uncertainty in Bethlehem, but for now, pilgrims visit
Palestinians leaders called for three days of protests following U.S. President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and demonstrations have broken out in the West Bank, Jordan and other parts of the Muslim world.
Rubio: U.S. foreign policy must be ‘infused’ with religious, other values
Sen. Marco Rubio stopped short of specific legislative proposals but spoke openly of religious faith as he offered support for beleaguered Christian communities under threat of Islamic State terror in the Middle East.
Religious freedom bill hearing spurs talk on Muslim-majority nations
A House subcommittee hearing on a U.S. law to improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally prompted a discussion on how to expand those freedoms for religious minorities, particularly for those in Muslim-majority countries.
Two Catholic League teams on cusp of state football titles, again
St. Joseph's Prep and Archbishop Wood, courtesy of semifinal wins in remarkably different fashion, will meet opponents for the PIAA championship this weekend. Conwell-Egan's outstanding season came to an end one game short of the final.
Mother of three Dreamers holds fast on Hill for passage of DREAM Act
Antonia Alvarez, the mother of three DACA recipients and one U.S. States citizen, began a 10-day fast Dec. 4 outside of the Capitol in Washington to advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act.
Australian archbishop urges youth to be spiritual flamethrowers
Young Catholics must set the world on fire with their faith, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told about 20,000 young people gathered in a former Olympic Stadium.
Nativity scene, Christmas tree are visible signs of God’s compassion
The traditional Christmas displays are "the signs of the heavenly Father's compassion, of his participation and closeness to humanity who experience not being abandoned in dark times, but instead visited and accompanied in their difficulties," the pope said.
Year in review: In Rome and abroad, pope urges unity, care for poor
Pope Francis spent much of 2017 preaching and teaching about the need to value differences rather than fear them, and he adopted legislation that would allow more room for diversity within the Catholic Church.