News
Pope’s visit to Chiapas, Mexico, seen to affirm ministry of indigenous deacons
"There are not many priests here so we offer them assistance whenever possible," Deacon Anselmo Hernandez, 64, said of his role as a deacon serving the Guadalupe barrio.
A faster, easier and free path to healing after divorce
The Philadelphia Archdiocese has put in place Pope Francis' changes to the process of granting annulments for marriages that ended in divorce. Online forms and waived fees can ease the path toward remarriage.
Foot-washing ritual not limited to men, Vatican says in new decree
Pope Francis said the rubric of the Roman Missal, which mentions only men as participants in the Holy Thursday rite, should be changed so that priests can choose from all members of the church.
Shrines are welcoming homes of forgiveness, mercy, pope says
In an audience with employees, workers and rectors of shrines and pilgrimage offices taking part in a Jubilee Year pilgrimage Jan. 21, the pope said shrines are "a privileged place" where pilgrims can feel "loved and looked upon with eyes of mercy."
Church leaders condemn new vandalism at two Christian sites in Jerusalem
Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the vandalism of two Christian sites next to the Old City.
Pro-lifers plow ahead with plans to march in D.C.
Despite the foot of snow expected to fall on Philadelphia Friday and Saturday and two feet in Washington, D.C. area, the annual March for Life Jan. 22 in the nation’s capital has not been postponed or cancelled.
Death row jubilee: Sister Prejean joins event for pilgrimage workers
The author of "Dead Man Walking" and a campaigner against the death penalty had a special experience Jan. 21 during the Vatican's Year of Mercy "Jubilee for Those Engaged in Pilgrimage Work." She was invited to Pope Francis' early morning Mass and had a chance to speak to him briefly afterward.
Texas diocese, city announce details of papal-related event at Sun Bowl
El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz and El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser announced plans for a local event that will be held Feb. 17 in conjunction with Pope Francis' visit to El Paso's sister city of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico.
Annual poll shows consistent desire for restrictions on abortion
Since the Knights of Columbus began commissioning polls on American attitudes toward abortion in 2008, the results have consistently shown that about 80 percent of Americans favor some kind of restriction on access to abortion.
Funeral rites set for Archbishop Francis Schulte
A memorial Mass will be celebrated for the former Philadelphia auxiliary bishop and retired New Orleans Archbishop on Monday, Jan. 25 by Archbishop Charles Chaput. The funeral Mass and burial will take place in New Orleans.