News
Catholic leaders: Pope’s call for mercy in Americas reinforces their work
Pope Francis' call for Catholics throughout the Americas "to treat one another with mercy" should reinforce the church's commitment to come together to work with the neediest.
Cardinal sees reason to hope for improved Vatican-Chinese relations
Prayer and "healthy realism" are needed to ensure progress in Vatican-Chinese relations and, particularly, in promoting a situation in which all Chinese Catholics can feel both fully Catholic and fully Chinese, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Shameful that need for clean water is not a priority, says cardinal
"It is a continuing shame," too, that people's needs "are secondary to industries which take too much and that pollute what remains," said Cardinal Peter Turkson.
Poverty solutions almost absent as a presidential campaign issue
No doubt, poverty is a tough sell in a campaign where middle class votes -- both blue collar and white collar -- are important to success come Election Day Nov. 8.
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.