News
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.
Sweden’s Catholic minority shows church can thrive in secular society
Even though it is one of the most secularized nations in the world, Sweden is one of the few countries in Europe where the Catholic Church is growing, said the country's first cardinal.
Gregorian chant called seminarian to Catholicism
As Gabe Bouck enters Advent, a season in which Catholics are urged to answer God's call for conversion, the seminarian is reminded of the melodic voice that inspired him to become Catholic.
Indian bishop criticizes call for execution of people who butcher cattle
Bishop Vincent Barwa said demands for capital punishment for cow slaughter targeted Christians, Muslims, Dalits and indigenous groups who had no religious prohibition on the eating of beef.
Austrian cardinal criticizes court ruling on same-sex marriage
The court ruled Dec. 5 that Austria's current marriage law violated nondiscrimination rules by barring same-sex unions and forcing couples to declare their sexual orientation. It opened the way for same-sex marriage to become legal in 2019.