News

Hope, not optimism, is needed to rebuild, pope tells quake survivors

Along the difficult path of rebuilding their lives, survivors of the earthquake that devastated central Italy must also rebuild their hearts with a strong foundation built on hope, Pope Francis said.

Catholic nun organizes national pre-inauguration event to foster peace

Sister Rita Petruziello has put together an event that seeks to gather people across cities in the United States on Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. EST, have them join hands in their respective cities and, in silence, meditate together as a means to foster peace.

Fix overcrowded prisons unfit for human life, pope says

In the wake of a deadly riot in a Brazilian jail, Pope Francis called for all prisons to offer dignified living conditions and be places for true rehabilitation.

When a mother loses a child, reach out with tears, not words, pope says

When people are hurting, "it is necessary to share in their desperation. In order to dry the tears from the face of those who suffer, we must join our weeping with theirs. This is the only way our words may truly be able to offer a bit of hope," he said.

Catholic leaders in Congo welcome church-mediated accord

Kabila will step down as Congolese president after elections are held before the end of 2017, under an agreement by the government and the opposition.

Federal judge blocks HHS transgender regulation

The injunction comes four months after the same judge blocked a federal directive requiring public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.

Catholics in Congress: one-third of House, one-quarter of Senate

Overall, there are six fewer Christians in the new Congress, at 485 members. But there are four more Catholics, who now total 168.

Pro-life groups set to travel long distances for annual March for Life

Participants in the annual March for Life always have two identical memories: the brisk January chill on the streets of the nation's capital, and the long bus ride.

Ohio think tank gives people a much-needed voice in overcoming poverty

The Newark Think Tank on Poverty brings about 40 people together monthly to discuss workable ideas on how to shape the community's response to people in need.

Vincentian leader seeks salvation by connecting with poor people

It was at his church in Newark, St. Francis de Sales, that Hammond saw the need to restructure the society's parish conference from one solely based on raising money for charitable activities to one embracing relationships with people struggling in poverty.