News
Faith, high school coach play role in Paralympian’s journey to Rio
"Going to church and having a constant in terms of knowing you can turn to God and rely on his support when you're going through trying times is a calming presence," Brian Siemann said
Replacing God with money will cost you your dignity, pope says
Like the people of Israel who built a golden calf in the desert, people can fall prey to the allure of wealth since "all idols have something gold," the pope said Sept. 15 at an audience with members of the Italian Biblical Association.
Vatican: Abortion, attempted suicide always obstacles to ordination
The sacredness of human life is so absolute that performing or helping procure an abortion or attempting suicide is an obstacle to ordination as a Catholic priest, even if the man was not Catholic at the time the events occurred, said a new Vatican ruling.
At Blue Mass, archbishop prays trust will grow in divided communities
Archbishop Wilton Gregory called for prayers for both law enforcement personnel, who in some areas of the country have become the targets of shooters, and for communities where questionable use of police force has resulted in the death of people of color.
Anger, distrust with candidates may find voters snubbing presidential ballot
Campaign 2016 is shaping up to be one where voters are not so much supporting one candidate or another as casting a ballot against a candidate they find intolerable.
Papal diplomats celebrate jubilee, attend talks on gender, Islam
As part of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis designated a jubilee Sept. 15-17 for all 108 apostolic nuncios who -- stationed across the globe -- work as permanent diplomatic representatives of the Holy See.
Changing canon law, pope brings Latin and Eastern practices closer
After more than 15 years of study and worldwide consultation, the conflicting rules were resolved by adopting the Eastern code's formulations for the Latin church as well, said Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta.
Philippine bishops’ head issues strong ‘no’ on restoring death penalty
The head of the Philippine bishops' conference set "ethical guidelines" against proposals to reinstate the death penalty as the country's war on drugs continues, with body counts increasing daily.
Orphaned world can find a mother in Mary, pope says
As she watched her son crucified and in agony, Mary "gave birth to us in that moment with so much pain; it is truly a martyrdom," the pope said Sept. 15 during a morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Papal advisers on sexual abuse expand reach, influence in Vatican
Though it has no real power, the committee that Pope Franics formed two years ago on protecting children from abuse has become the go-to team for educating church leaders worldwide on the issue.