News
At audience, pope asks forgiveness for scandals in Rome and the Vatican
Pope Francis did not explain what scandal or scandals he was referring to in off-the-cuff remarks Oct. 14 followed a reading from St. Matthew's Gospel in which Jesus warns of scandalizing the "little ones."
Choral concert at cathedral relives music of papal Mass
Music lovers can enjoy again the beautiful hymns of the Mass celebrated here by Pope Francis Sept. 27 -- plus some hymns not sung at the Mass -- at a concert by the Papal Choir Monday, Oct. 19 in the cathedral.
Archbishop Cupich urges Illinois, nation to back gun control measures
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, saying it is time to "take meaningful and swift action to address violence in our society," called for stricter gun control laws in Illinois.
In 50 years since ‘Nostra Aetate,’ church has built strong interreligious ties
The scene in Foundation Hall of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum during Pope Francis' visit spoke volumes about the Catholic Church and interreligious relations. On the platform with Pope Francis Sept. 25 were representatives of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Muslim religions as well as Christian religions.
The challenge of walking together: Letter raises concern at synod
From newspaper headlines and social media comments Oct. 12 it seemed there was a family feud going on inside the Synod of Bishops on the family.
World Meeting was big, but was it the biggest event in Philadelphia history?
In an essay, CatholicPhilly.com writer Lou Baldwin looks at the recent visit of Pope Francis in historical terms, for the city and the Catholic community. Philadelphia has hosted very significant events, some of which last today.
Aid workers in Greece brace for more migrants, despite worsening weather
Greece is bracing for thousands more Syrians and other people to land on Lesbos and other key island crossings from Turkey, as those fleeing conflict remain undeterred by the worsening weather and colder autumn temperatures in their desperate search for safety in Europe.
Ways of teaching about family can alienate people, synod members say
Delegates at the Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome are grappling with how to "reach out to those families that do not fit into traditional categories" and how the church can use words that touch people's real experiences.
Communion for remarried would undermine doctrine, Polish bishop says
If civilly remarried divorcees are allowed to receive Communion it would open the sacrament "for all who live in mortal sin" and eliminate the need for the sacrament of penance, an archbishop said at the Synod of Bishops on the Family.
Simple homes and villages in Nicaragua expand, in Father Chuck’s memory
A Philadelphia priest wanted to memorialize Father Chuck Pfeffer by helping the poor people of Nicaragua. Eight years and $5 million later, more than a thousand concrete homes in 16 villages are helping to ease the sting of poverty.