News

He follows the fishermen’s steps toward priesthood

Since he was a kid, Thomas O'Donald loved spending time on the water at Rehoboth Bay fishing, crabbing, boating. As a priest to be ordained May 21, he will soon be fishing in the manner of the apostles. See the next in our series on the four men to be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Pope: ‘Severely punish’ child abusers worldwide

Speaking at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for an end to child abuse and called for a respect for the cease-fire in the war in Syria, which has seen a recent escalation of violence.

Reconciliation with God and others is key to peace, pope says

As he does frequently, the pope pleaded with priests to be welcoming and patient in confession, recognizing how hard it is for people to face their sins and acknowledge their need for forgiveness.

Local Catholic grad taken in 1st round of NFL draft

Will Fuller, selected by the Houston Texans as the 21st overall pick, has overcome obstacles on the way to a pro football career. His coach at Roman Catholic H.S. recalls Fuller's hard work and his modesty.

Suspects arrested in alleged plot against Vatican, Israeli embassy

Italian authorities arrested six suspects, all of Moroccan origin, who allegedly received orders from the Islamic State terrorist group in February and March of this year via the WhatsApp mobile messaging service.

Militias of Iraqi Christians resist Islamic State amid sectarian strife

The Nineveh Plain Protection Units, which number about 300 soldiers, want to drive IS militants out of Iraq. They fight with a wary eye too on Kurds and the Iraqi government, by whom they feel betrayed.

Interfaith prayer service calls for change on anniversary of Baltimore riots

The prayer service included more than three dozen clergy members from the Baltimore area. Faiths represented included Catholic and other Christian churches, as well as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

French cardinal admits errors on abuse, meets with archdiocesan priests

"The cardinal has accepted the archdiocese committed errors in managing and nominating certain priests and has reiterated how important it is for victims of sexual abuse by clergy to see their right to truth and justice recognized."

On response to ISIS genocide, advocates ask: ‘Where are you, world?’

The head of the Knights of Columbus and others are rallying support at the U.N. for legal action against the Islamic State, who they blame for religious persecution, child torture and millions driven from their homes.

Ethics must guide medical research, protect human dignity, pope says

In that way, education and research can strive "to serve higher values, such as solidarity, generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge, respect for human life, and fraternal and selfless love," he said.