News
Archdiocesan priests elect new deans
Of the 12 deaneries, or regions, of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, four will have new leadership, the result of recent elections among priests. Two new representatives were also selected for the Council of Priests.
Pope tells quake survivors he will visit them ‘as soon as possible’
He wants to go to the ravaged area to "bring you personally the solace of faith, the embrace of a father and brother, and the support of Christian hope," he said.
Day of Prayer for Peace coming Sept. 9 on feast of St. Peter Claver
Archbishop Charles Chaput invites all parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to observe a national day of prayer in response to racially charged shootings in American cities this year.
Suspect sought in murders of nuns who worked at Mississippi clinic
Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68, were found stabbed to death Aug. 25 in their home. They spent years caring for poor people as nurse practitioners in central Mississippi.
Federal judge blocks directive on transgender access to school bathrooms
A judge in Texas upheld current law that "specifically permits educational institutions" to provide bathroom facilities "based on sex, provided that the separate facilities are comparable." The ruling extends nationwide.
Olympian known as honest, compassionate competitor motivated by faith
On the final day of the 2016 Rio Olympics Aug. 21, Rupp became the first American-born athlete to medal in the marathon in 40 years as he earned the bronze. As he crossed the finish line, the graduate of Central Catholic High School in Portland made the sign of the cross.
Diocese says government slow to offer ways to resolve impasse on mandate
"We have always been willing to meet with representatives of the government to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution to our impasse over religious freedom," said a Pittsburgh diocese statement issued Aug. 10.
A violent summer pushes U.S. to once again deal with lingering pain of racism
The two major presidential candidates in the country have recently made much of the issue while campaigning and in their official party platforms.
Parties front and center on economy, but what is the best path forward?
Both the Democrats and the Republicans put economic issues in the opening pages of their respective parties' platforms -- an indication of how seriously they take economic policy in its potential appeal to voters.
Catholic vote remains important, but less predictable than in the past
Any way it's examined, analysts say the Catholic vote -- about 22 percent of the electorate -- is not as monolithic as it once was.