News
Bishops from around the world plead for climate change action
The presidents of the U.S. and Canadian bishops' conferences joined leaders of the regional bishops' conferences of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Europe in signing an appeal for government leaders to reach a "fair, legally binding and truly transformational climate agreement" at a summit in Paris.
Hospice patients teach a lot about facing death, doctor says
Dying patients, in the view of a doctor working 40 years in hospices, can teach lessons of trust and gratitude. They offer four gifts: the opportunity to say "I'm sorry," "I love you," "thank you" and "goodbye, I'll be OK."
At hearing, stronger global response urged for Europe’s refugee crisis
In the two-and-a-half-hour hearing convened by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, lawmakers and witnesses alike described the refugee situation as enormous, unparalleled and one that cries out for a stronger global response.
Time is now to end centuries of prejudice against Gypsies, pope says
Treated to music, dance and songs reflecting a unique mix of cultures and languages, Pope Francis called for greater respect, integration and care of Gypsy communities.
Pope urges peace in Iraq; prays Christians no longer be forced to flee
He also urged the Chaldean Catholic bishops in the region "to work tirelessly as builders of unity in all the provinces of Iraq, fostering dialogue and cooperation among all those engaged in public life, and contributing to healing existing divisions while preventing new ones from arising."
Local Navy pilot will fly with American flag from the Prep
Lt. Greg Taylor, a 2007 graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, will continue a custom of flying with a flag. His was blessed by the Prep's president Oct. 26 and given to Taylor's parents.
St. Francis School families enjoy Spirit Night at pumpkin patch
Games with pumpkins, apples, mums and other signs of autumn were enjoyed by patrons of a Delaware County garden store, whose owners planned the fourth annual event. Their daughter is a student at the Aston Catholic school.
Synod members disagree on report’s opening to Communion for remarried
Australian Cardinal George Pell said the final report of the Synod of Bishops on the family did not create an opening for the divorced and civilly remarried to receive Communion. Other synod members took a different view and acknowledged that the paragraph in question was being read differently.
Synod report urges ‘accompaniment’ tailored to family situations
The 94-paragraph report approved Oct. 24 highlighted the role of pastors in helping couples understand church teaching, grow in faith and take responsibility for sharing the Gospel. It also emphasized how "pastoral accompaniment" involves discerning, on a case-by-case basis, the moral culpability of people not fully living up to the Catholic ideal.
Synod report has new emphasis, not changed doctrine, U.S. bishops say
Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, and Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey, met with journalists Oct. 24 at the Pontifical North American College.