News

Italian priest kidnapped in Nigeria freed

Although kidnappings for ransom are common in the area, Father Pallu said he was unaware of any payment made to the attackers and believes that "God softened the hearts of my kidnappers."

Faith brings hope even at moment of death, pope says

While all men and women are "small and helpless in front of the mystery of death," Jesus' victory over death assures Christians of the joy of the resurrection, the pope said Oct. 18 during his weekly general audience.

Pope condemns deadly terrorist attack in Somalia

Pope Francis prayed for the victims of a terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, that left hundreds dead and countless wounded in one of the deadliest attacks in the country's history.

Federal judge in Hawaii blocks Trump’s new expanded travel ban

In a 40-page ruling issued hours before the new travel ban was to take effect, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson granted the state of Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order and blocking Trump's order nationwide.

St. John Paul gave his life ‘completely to God through Mary,’ says priest

St. John Paul II "looked at the world with Mary's eyes and saw man in need of mercy," the postulator of the pope's canonization cause told Massgoers Oct. 12 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York.

Groups settle in lawsuit against HHS contraceptive mandate

The federal government's settlement of a case brought by Pennsylvania dioceses, the Little Sisters and others assures the church "will not be subject to enforcement of similar regulations imposing morally unacceptable mandates" in the future.

Callista Gingrich confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See

The Senate approved the nomination of Gingrich, 51, a lifelong Catholic, by a 70-23 vote. More than 20 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a vocal ally of President Donald Trump.

Protesters arrested for blocking pipeline work through nuns’ property

More than 100 people were blocking construction of a natural gas pipeline on property owned by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ congregation in Columbia, Pa. The Lancaster County DA called them "peaceful and respectful."

Vatican asks Indonesian bishop to repay funds he allegedly stole

Pope Francis approved the resignation of the 58-year-old bishop following the investigation into allegations that he secretly borrowed $94,000 from the Indonesian bishops' conference and $30,000 from the diocese, without providing an accountability report.

Franciscans in Holy Land sow peace, fraternity, respect, pope says

Marking the 800th anniversary of the order's presence at the places where Jesus was born, lived and died, the pope sent a letter to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, an administratively autonomous province of the Franciscan order.