News

Catholic social thought leaders join dicastery to promote human dignity

Leaders in the Vatican's new Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development are seeking to tap the rich heritage of Catholic social thought emerging from U.S. Catholic higher education to help shape global development so that human dignity remains at the center.

Poverty requires action, not empty words, pope says

People cannot sit back and be indifferent or unresponsive to growing poverty in the world as a privileged minority accumulates "ostentatious wealth," Pope Francis said.

Displaced near South Sudanese border live on mangoes, sweet potatoes

Families here were displaced in late 2016 and early 2017 as fighting between government soldiers and rebels escalated.

Brzezinski recalled as brilliant strategist committed to faith, family

Brzezinski, 89, died May 26 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. The cause of death was not reported.

Vatican bank reports $40 million profit in 2016

The institute held assets worth 5.7 billion euros at year's end, which included deposits and investments from close to 15,000 clients -- mostly Catholic religious orders around the world, Vatican offices and employees, and Catholic clergy.

Catholic congressman returns from South Sudan, aims to fight famine

New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, on a fact-finding trip to East Africa, saw the human rights concerns brought on by famine and military violence. He aims to increase funding for the region.

Priest’s love of cars helps raise funds for vocations in poorest diocese

Father Matthew Keller who loves rebuilding hot rods and assisting seminarians is donating a 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible that he refurbished for a raffle in support of vocations for the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico.

U.S. bishop: Media can counter fears by showing refugees as real people

By telling individual stories and putting a human face on migrants seeking a new home, the media can help inspire communities to assist and not be afraid of newcomers, said retired Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

South African Council of Churches calls for dissolution of parliament

The government "has lost its moral legitimacy" and new polls are needed, the South African Council of Churches said in a June 10 statement.

God’s consolation is a gift and mission of service, pope says

True consolation is a gift that cannot be received or given by warmongers, the unmerciful and the closed-hearted, Pope Francis said.