News
Extreme poverty declining but much work remains, says Vatican rep at U.N.
The good news: the percentage of people living in extreme poverty will drop below 10 percent for the first time. But for many of those who have escaped it, "progress has been temporary and regression ... is even more painful," said the Vatican nuncio.
Confronting family issues, synod fathers focus on mercy, not changing doctrine
Members of the Synod of Bishops on the family summed up yesterday's sessions, which dealt with the rupture of families due to immigration, human trafficking and terrorism, and pastoral responses.
Planned Parenthood says it will no longer take payments for fetal tissue
The organization sought to discredit undercover videos that showed its officials describing the harvesting of fetal body parts during abortions, and fees for the tissues. It annually receives more than $500 million in public funds.
Synod calls for Bible-based presentation of God’s plan for family
As members of the Synod of Bishops concluded work on the second of three chapters in their working document, they continued to call for a tone and for language that is clear, simple and encourages people to see it is possible to live the vocation of marriage and family life.
Catholics urged to join campaign of prayer and fasting Oct. 16-24
The 23rd annual observance is a nine-day campaign for the conversion of people and nations, peace in the world, a renewed culture of life in the United States and a blessing on the Synod of Bishops on the family in Rome.
Role of women, diversity in unity among issues debated at synod
Several women participating in the Synod of Bishops on the family said they are encouraged that their views are not only respected but included in the discussions taking place.
Melkite archbishop urges British not to support militants in Syria
Greek Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo said that for the past 60 years, Syria has strived to become a modern secular state. Western support for militants against Syrian President Bashar Assad would destroy all such progress.
‘You see the benefits everywhere’ from chaplains, says documentarian
Martin Doblmeier, the writer-director behind the new public television documentary "Chaplains," said chaplains in hospital, prison and corporate settings are worried about how their service is judged.
Nebraska bishop asks for prayers for burglar who stole his pectoral cross
The cross was stolen from his home, when the bishop was not there, at 1:30 p.m. A tripped alarm alerted diocesan officials and the Lincoln Police Department to the break-in.
Part of the family: Abuse survivors need special care, Australian says
Many people affected by abuse "don't ever want to set foot in a church again," said a victims' advocate at the Synod of Bishops. But many others see the church as "a traveling companion all their lives."