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HHS says California can require that all health plans cover elective abortions
A federal agency has determined that California can continue to demand that all health plans under the jurisdiction of the state's Department of Managed Health Care -- "even those purchased by churches and other religious organizations" -- cover elective abortions for any reason.
Chicago parishes, schools pray for summer of peace, end of gun violence
Over 100 children and young people under 20 have died as a result of gun violence in Chicago since June 2015.
World Day of Migrants to reflect on vulnerable, voiceless minors
Explaining the pope's choice for the theme, the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers said the pope wants "to focus attention on the littlest of the little."
Some Melkite bishops boycott synod, resulting in lack of quorum
Those who did not attend called for the resignation of Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregoire III Laham, who has held his post since 2000.
Benedict shows core of priesthood is being ‘immersed in God,’ pope says
Pope Benedict XVI's decision to retire and live a life fully dedicated to prayer represents one of the most important lessons he gives the world's priests, Pope Francis said.
Saints’ relics seen as reminder of today’s threats to religious liberty
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori linked urgent matters of "immigration, marriage and the church's teaching on sexuality" to a pair of 16th-century martyrs.
Colombia is moving toward peace, but issues remain, says archbishop
Archbishop Luis Castro Quiroga spoke in early June, before the June 22 announcement that the two sides had reached an agreement on several sticky issues, including a bilateral cease-fire.
Unity, honor and hope on pope’s agenda for Armenia
In more than 1,700 years as an officially Christian nation, he said, "you have found in the cross of Christ and in your genius the strength always to rise again even from the sufferings that were among the most terrible that history recalls."
Cardinal visits Ukraine to show solidarity with those suffering from war
In the eastern city of Zaporizhzhya, Cardinal Pietro Parolin symbolically launched Pope Francis' humanitarian plan to help Ukrainians affected by the war.
CRS, other agencies helping Iraqis fleeing Fallujah fighting
"These people desperately need food and water," Nikki Gamer, a CRS communications officer, told CNS. "There is little infrastructure in place to address the needs of so many people at once."