News

Poll shows more Americans like Pope Francis after September visit

A new survey finds among practicing Catholics, 90 percent now say they view the pope favorably, up from 83 percent in August. Among all Americans, the pope's numbers jumped to 74 percent from 58 percent.

Aid workers assess areas hit by typhoon as Philippines gets more rain

Typhoon Koppu made landfall Oct. 18 packing 108 mile-per-hour winds and pounding rains that caused chest-high flooding in some areas. Catholic Relief Services is aiding residents, 70,000 of whom were in evacuation centers.

New pastoral approach does not change doctrine, Australian archbishop says

A member of the Synod of Bishops said the ministry toward families in irregular unions must begin with bishops listening to them. A couple in a second union that is "enduring and stable and loving" is not the same "as a couple skulking off to a hotel room for a wicked weekend."

Catholics in Jerusalem praying, and hoping, for peace

Following a week that included bloody clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces, the parishioners of St. Saviour Church in the Old City of Jerusalem did what they always do on Sunday: pray, mainly for peace.

Pope calls for ‘synodal’ church where all listen, learn, share mission

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis called for participation and joint responsibility among all Catholics and their leaders at every level of the church, with the pope as the "guarantee of unity."

Canonizing four saints, pope urges people to serve others with joy

Pope Francis called on people to replace their thirst for power with the joy of quiet and humble service, as he proclaimed four new saints, including the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.

Catholic League football and soccer: Standings and schedules

Follow the Catholic high school sports action in CatholicPhilly.com’s Sports section each week for standings and schedules.

No human being ‘can be reduced to a problem,’ Archbishop Wenski says

"Jesus was a refugee. And you can be sure that Joseph did not waste any time trying to get a visa to go into Egypt. So Jesus was just as illegal as the illegals we hear about on our talk show programs we love to listen to."

Be joyful pastors, use God’s word to heal people, delegates tell synod

Many of the 12 nonvoting "fraternal delegates," whose presentations were published by the Vatican Oct. 16, touched on the themes of mercy; the Eucharist as a sacrament for healing, not a reward; the possibility of allowing divorce and remarriage in the Orthodox Christian tradition; and the need for repentance.

Spiritual practices key to keeping family strong, Indian cardinal says

Speaking to Catholic News Service Oct. 15, Cardinal Thottunkal said most Christian families in India still have a strong conviction that "a family that prays together stays together."