News
Hurricane response in Haiti slowed by blocked roads, floods, power outages
The storm left southwestern Haiti in shambles after slamming into the country's Caribbean coast Oct. 4.
New York cardinal announces new compensation program for abuse survivors
At a news conference, Cardinal Dolan said that while the Catholic Church "has made great strides" in addressing abuse, "we continue to hear from victim-survivors that more needs to be done to reach out to those who have been hurt in the past."
Advocates celebrate that climate change agreement will take effect soon
Approval of the agreement negotiated in Paris last December reached the threshold of 55 countries accounting for at least 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions Oct. 5 when European nations, Canada, Bolivia and Nepal backed the accord.
Special Mass draws members of U.S. military sea services to Seton shrine
Members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Services were recognized at the annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services Mass Oct. 2 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Bishops elevate popular Alaskan retreat to national shrine
The National Shrine of St. Therese, located about 23 miles north of Juneau along Glacier Highway, has served as a place of spiritual refuge since its dedication in 1941.
Congo church suspends mediation bid amid rising tension
"Only an inclusive dialogue which respects the constitutional order will provide a framework for resolving our crisis," said Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa of Kisangani, president of the Congolese bishops' conference.
Native of Newtown ordained a Dominican priest
Father Gregory Pine, son of Barry and Regina Pine of St. Andrew Parish in Newtown and is a graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, was ordained for the Dominican congregation May 21.
Rigid attachment to ideology saddens the Holy Spirit, pope says
While following doctrine is important, those who focus solely on its strict observance can "reduce the Spirit and the Son to a law," Pope Francis said Oct. 6 during an early morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
World has a duty to protect refugees, Vatican representative says
While national concerns about an influx of migrants and refugees may be legitimate, no country should lose sight of the fact that the influx is made up of real people whose lives are in danger, a Vatican official told a U.N. meeting.
Supreme Court examines if racial bias played role in death sentence
The case, Buck v. Stephens, hinges on the "claim of ineffective assistance" given to a convicted Texas murderer, Duane Buck, who was sentenced to die after an expert witness for the defense testified that Buck was more likely to commit violent crimes in the future because he is black.