News
Pope expands scope of John Paul II institute on marriage, family
The new institution is to expand and deepen the types of courses offered as well as take "an analytical and diversified approach" that allows students to study all aspects and concerns of today's families while remaining "faithful to the teaching of Christ," the pope wrote.
Church leaders condemn possible massacre of indigenous in Amazon
The Brazilian government is investigating reports that illegal miners killed as many as 20 indigenous people in early August. Little is known about the indigenous group, which lives in the Vale do Javari indigenous territory and avoids contact with wider Brazilian society.
Pope cites St. Frances Cabrini as exemplar of ministry to immigrants
Although she died 100 years ago, St. Frances Cabrini is a shining example of "love and intelligence" in ministering to the needs of immigrants and helping them become integral members of their new homelands, Pope Francis said.
Never forget early martyrs, pope tells Japanese bishops
Many challenges in Japan make the church's evangelizing call to be the "salt and light" of hope and meaning even more urgent than ever, Pope Francis told the country's bishops.
Governing requires prayer, wisdom, counsel, pope says
Those who govern or are in positions of authority are called to be humble and serve the good of the people God entrusts to them rather than the interests of their party or themselves, Pope Francis said.
Pope, Bolivian bishops discuss rise of ‘parallel’ churches
Pope Francis urged the bishops of Bolivia to faithfully guide their flocks as breakaway groups comprised of former priests and seminarians are gaining ground in the country. Such groups exist in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.
Bishop defends Jesuit priest after seminary withdraws invitation
A U.S. bishop vigorously defended Jesuit Father James Martin when a prominent U.S. seminary canceled an invitation it had extended to speak about Jesus at an October event, after fringe groups unhappy with the priest's recent book about the church and the gay community mounted a series of attacks.
Parishioners, Knights knock on doors, aid senior citizens after Irma
Hearing the call to be good neighbors, local Catholics prepared hot meals and checked on senior residents of a nursing community where eight people had died in the aftermath of the storm.
Key West Catholic school struggles to reopen after Hurricane Irma
Key West was not ready for an immediate, rapid return of residents. As of Sept. 18, water service was being rationed, available only four hours each day. Cellphone service was only recently restored, electricity remained out and gasoline was in short supply.
North Miami parish serves up a post-hurricane luxury: A hot meal
Thanks to Father Fritz Bellonce, pastor of Holy Family Church in North Miami, many people in the area around the church had hot meals after Hurricane Irma knocked out power to the community.