News

Australia’s top bishops visit Vatican for talks on restoring trust

The top leaders of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference and chair of the church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council met with Vatican officials to discuss issues emerging from national investigations into the abuse of minors.

Help defend democracy, vote for governors, say Venezuelan bishops

Venezuelans will elect governors for all 23 states Oct. 15. Divisions remain among government critics regarding the process; many advocated continuing street protests against the government instead of participating in the election.

Las Vegas: Trauma real even when not acknowledged, psychologists say

The thousands of people at the country music festival Oct. 1 in Las Vegas that turned into the scene of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history are likely to have suffered trauma even if they weren't wounded.

Bishop Vasquez urges U.S. to help solve expanding Rohingya crisis

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, said in written testimony to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Oct. 5 that the situation affecting the largely Muslim Rohingya population in Myanmar deserves "safe, humane and voluntary durable solutions" as they struggle amid violence that has caused them to flee their homeland.

Pope names Florida priest auxiliary bishop for Orange, California

The appointment was announced in Washington Oct. 6 by Msgr. Walter Erbi, charge d'affaires at the Vatican's nunciature in Washington.

Survey shows most Americans support celebrating Columbus Day

Three-quarters of surveyed Americans believe that Columbus and other historical figures should be judged by the standards of conduct of their own lifetimes, as opposed to modern standards.

Canon law must serve Vatican II vision of the church, pope says

The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law is an instrument that must serve the church's pastoral mission of bringing God's mercy to all and leading them to salvation, Pope Francis said.

Legionaries pledge renewal as former rector admits fathering children

Legionaries Father Oscar Turrion -- who served as rector of the order's seminary in Rome -- informed his superiors of "his intention to leave priestly ministry" in light of the recent revelations.

Religious employers see new exemptions on HHS mandate

UPDATED - The Trump administration Oct. 6 expanded the exemption to the ACA's contraceptive mandate for religious employers who object to covering contraception in employee health plans.

Pope to honor fallen soldiers at American cemetery near Rome

The Vatican announced Oct. 6 that the pope will celebrate the feast of All Souls' Day, Nov. 2, at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, 45 miles south of Rome.