News
Pro-life leaders praise House vote to make Hyde Amendment permanent
UPDATED - U.S. House passage of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act puts the country "one step closer to getting the federal government out of the business of paying for abortion once and for all," said the president of National Right to Life.
Oakland Diocese closes five schools; seven others to join new network
"The rising rents and mortgage costs of living in the East Bay take up so much of our families earned income, that there's little left over food and living, let alone a 'luxury' item like Catholic education," Oakland Bishop Michael C. Barber said.
Moral radar: Papal media messages can cut through ‘post-truth’ fog
A post-truth culture in which objective facts and objective, divinely inspired moral principles no longer have any place or pull in people's lives is not to be taken lightly, said Bishop Paul Tighe, adjunct secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture.
Ivory Coast bishops urge calm amid strikes, mutinies
"We immediately invite all elements of society to gather round a single table and debate all issues relating to security, high costs of living, youth unemployment and working conditions," the bishops said.
Congo’s bishops hope to save peace pact, but see no will to act quickly
"Our latest meeting should have covered the question of governance -- but contacts between the political actors are, unfortunately, not yet realized," the bishops' conference said Jan. 24.
Pumped up by pope, anti-poverty advocates joining Vatican summit in Calif.
Pope Francis applauded the work of people from 60 countries who help the poor and the underemployed, including a longtime Detroit activist. Inspired by his words, she will meet with 600 other grassroots organizers from the U.S. next month.
French bishops release new stats on child sex abuse in church
More than 200 victims have reported child sex abuse to the French church in the past six years, according to data collected by the French bishops.
Cardinal hopes January dates for WYD in Panama won’t keep students away
With the next global celebration of World Youth Day scheduled for Jan. 22-27, 2019, Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell knows many young Catholics in North America and Europe may find it a challenge to attend.
Order of Malta’s grand master resigns at pope’s request
Festing's offer to resign came after Pope Francis set up a commission to investigate Festing's removal of the order's grand chancellor, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager.
Never underestimate the courage and wisdom of women, pope says
Women like the biblical heroine Judith are an example of trusting God amid sufferings and difficulties when it is easy to give up hope and fall into despair. "This is my opinion, but women are more courageous than men," the pope said.