News
With prayer, Catholics in Puerto Rico deal with Hurricane Maria’s wrath
UPDATED - Authorities say it may take months for electricity to fully return to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria pummeled the island and its infrastructure as it made landfall Sept. 20.
Archbishop Chaput offers prayers for Jewish High Holy Days
"These are days of prayer, reflection, and new beginnings," wrote Archbishop Charles Chaput. "May everyone in the local Jewish community experience good health, wisdom and true peace in the year ahead."
After five years, schools stabilized, thanks to Faith in the Future
The foundation formed in the wake of recommendations to close Catholic schools has recruited donors and strengthened board governance to make schools affordable and excellent, and keep them open.
Committee OKs bill on aid for persecuted religious groups in Iraq, Syria
Called the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act, or H.R. 390, it also would provide "accountability for perpetrators" of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the region.
Sistine Chapel Choir makes rare visit to United States
The Sistine Chapel Choir came to Washington Sept. 20 on a rare U.S. visit. Its stops included Detroit and New York as well as The Catholic University of America, where it gave a concert and presented a workshop.
Chinese Catholics fear new regulations will further suppress activities
Tighter restrictions on religions in China would affect both underground Christian churches and open (registered) communities, which could face cash extortion demands over "unauthorized" religious venues.
Pope urges politicians to be models of service in fight against Mafia
When politics becomes all about partisan interests and secret deals, it leaves behind its true vocation and becomes susceptible to the same influences of corruption that allow the Mafia to flourish, Pope Francis said.
Vatican signs treaty to ban nuclear weapons
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister, signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations Sept. 20. More than 40 other countries signed it as well.
War robs South Sudan youths of childhood, says bishops’ leader
The war has killed thousands, displaced nearly 1 million people, ignited a man-made famine and destroyed the country's economy.
Renowned investigator of Marian apparitions dies at 99
Msgr. Rene Laurentin had published more than 160 books and 1,000 articles about Mariology, including the "Dictionary of the 'Apparitions' of the Virgin Mary."