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Medieval traditions used by Luther to form his stance on justification
In theological terms, justification is God's act of removing the guilt and penalty of sin while at the same time declaring a sinner righteous through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Bishop DeSimone recalls his role in major WWII battle for Italy
73 years ago, the young Sergeant Louis DeSimone was with the U.S. Army group that liberated Rome on June 5 after a campaign of heavy fighting. Now 95, the retired auxiliary bishop tells about his service and its link to his vocation.
Maryland priest hopes summer convocation sparks missionary renewal
Father Mark Bialek will attend the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America," a national gathering in Orlando, Florida, from July 1-4, to learn about evangelization and share ideas with other Catholic leaders.
Defending sacredness of life offers service to everyone, pope says
Upholding the sacredness of human life becomes concrete when generations work together to serve everyone: the poor, disabled, orphans, migrants, the unborn and the elderly, Pope Francis said.
Don’t be overly harsh on youth; they have much to give, pope says
Do not forget how God often chose the smallest, because proclaiming the Gospel "is not based on the greatness of human strength, but rather on the willingness to let oneself be guided by the gift of the Spirit," he said June 1.
Bishops urge Trump to honor Paris climate pact to protect the planet
The United States has an obligation to honor the Paris climate agreement to protect "our people and our planet" and "mitigate the worst impacts of climate change," said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace.
Church leaders keep asking for compassion toward immigrants
At the national and local level, church leaders have been trying to comfort immigrant Catholic communities, while at the same time responding to criticism from other Catholics about their outreach to immigrants.
Ecumenical leaders call for context, nuance in Catholic-Lutheran dialogue
Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch, renowned for his ecumenical efforts, addressed a Washington gathering of Catholic and Lutheran leaders striving for unity.
Theologians ask if Luther split needed to be a ‘church-dividing’ event
That is the question some theologians and historians are asking in 2017, the 500th anniversary of Luther's posting of his 95 theses on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
Restorers unveil frescoed chambers in the Catacombs of St. Domitilla
The Catacombs of St. Domitilla are believed to be the world's oldest existing Christian cemetery and are among the largest in Italy with a total of some 150,000 burial spots.