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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.
Pope to bishops: Defend children from abuse, protect their dignity, joy
Wake up to what is happening to so many of today's innocents and be moved by their plight and the cries of their mothers to do everything to protect life, helping it "be born and grow," he said in a letter sent to bishops commemorating the feast of the Holy Innocents.
New Year calls for courage, hope; no more hatred, selfishness, pope says
Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said.