News
Vatican signs agreement with Palestine, calls for two-state solution
The two parties signed the "Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine" at the Vatican June 26. The accord, which includes a preamble and 32 articles, focuses mostly on the status and activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine.
Pope to Guides: Educate girls for big responsibilities in church, world
"Today, it is very important that women are sufficiently valued and can take their rightful place in the church and in society," he said June 26, during an audience with a delegation of the International Catholic Conference of Guiding.
Health care subsidy ruling hailed by many, but criticism continues
The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling that upheld federal subsidies to keep health insurance premiums affordable regardless of whether the state or federal government runs the exchange system was welcomed by the president as well as by several religious organizations and stockholders in health care systems.
Organizers for meeting of families expect 1.5 million for papal Mass
A high-level delegation from Philadelphia, led by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, was in Rome as of June 22 to meet with Vatican officials, review some of the planning and promote the weeklong congress.
U.S. bishops learn how conflict affects lives of displaced Ukrainians
Olexiy Kondratenko, a scout with the Ukrainian army, is wondering if he will ever be able to travel to the United States. The 31-year-old soldier lost his left hand in firefight with pro-Russian separatists in the eastern city of Luhansk weeks ago. He needs specialized surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation.
Wedding day transforms anniversary of near-death experience
May 22 is a day Andres "Chico" Gonzalez Jr., will never forget. That day, nine years ago, he was a young New Orleans police officer on duty with his partner, and they made what people who don't wear a badge call a "routine" traffic stop.
More seminaries offering courses on faith, environment, study finds
In a report released June 22 to coincide with Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development noted that at least 162 courses on faith and the environment were offered at 52 seminaries and religious colleges in the United States and Canada between 2007 and 2014.
Ecuadoreans expect pope will address care for creation during July visit
When Pope Francis lands in Ecuador July 5, he will be returning to a country where he has long-standing bonds of ministry and friendship.
Court upholds health care subsidies in states with federal exchanges
UPDATED - Writing that "Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them," a 6-3 majority of the Supreme Court June 25 upheld tax subsidies for participants in health care exchanges run by the federal government in states that refused to create them.
Extension’s Flat Francis image helps build excitement for pope’s visit
Pope Francis isn't going to be visiting the United States until September, but that hasn't kept the pope from going all around the nation, if only as a simple piece of paper for the time being.