News
Catholics urged to help fight racism in U.S. and pray for healing, unity
The United States is seeing "a new kind of racism and nationalism" that is "rooted in fear," and Catholics must work to overcome such new forms of racism and "every ideology that denies the equality and dignity of the human person," the archbishop of Los Angeles said.
African-American couple demands apology from priest for past KKK actions
When Father Aitcheson was in his early 20s, he was the leader of a KKK lodge in Maryland and was arrested and charged with making bomb threats, manufacturing bombs and burning a cross on the front lawn at the house of an African-American couple.
Priest asks forgiveness for having been KKK member years ago as young man
Father William Aitcheson said that 40 years ago, "as an impressionable young man," he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan and called his actions "despicable."
Central African priests use Facebook to express outrage, appeal for help
One priest accused U.N. peacekeepers of "deliberately abandoning" his town and leaving parishioners to be murdered by rebels.
Prophetic words against the evil of racism
A sampling of quotes on racism, from Pope Francis and from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, show the church's clear call to reject this sin firmly and completely.
Free course, study guides help Christians learn of persecution
Christians face persecution in countries around the world. A new free online course and materials from the University of Notre Dame help individuals, parish groups and schools learn about the issue and ways to help.
Bishops form new body to address ‘sin of racism’ that ‘afflicts’ nation
Saying there is an "urgent need" to address "the sin of racism" in the country and find solutions to it, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has established a new Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and named one of the country's African-American Catholic bishops to chair it.
Pope: God gives hope for the future despite present-day suffering
While the world reels from terrorism, natural disasters and division, God weeps with those who suffer and offers the hope of a future full of joy and consolation, Pope Francis said.
Cardinal: Priest who fathers child has moral obligation to child, mother
"In such a moment, their welfare is the highest priority," Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley said in a statement issued after the Spotlight team at the Boston Globe produced a two-part series Aug. 16 and 17 titled "Father, my father."
Florida bishops ask commutation for death-row prisoner
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops asked Florida Gov. Rick Scott to commute the death sentence of Mark Asay, a prisoner scheduled for execution Aug. 24.