News
Road closure rumors are false, mayor says
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter debunked speculation on the Internet of closures for streets, bridges and highways in the city during the visit of Pope Francis in September. The rumors had “no basis in fact,” he said, and vowed official information would come next week.
Cardinal Baum, longest serving U.S. cardinal, witnessed and made history
Cardinal William W. Baum, the archbishop of Washington from 1973 to 1980, died July 23 at the age of 88 after a long illness. He was a cardinal for 39 years -- the longest such tenure in U.S. church history.
Tide may be turning against harsh prison sentences
Readers of the Bible may recall the passage in Chapter 4 of Luke that presages the start of Jesus' public ministry, in which Jesus said, in part: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives."
Pro-Life Summit in Philadelphia taps family theme
As Philadelphia gears up for the World Meeting of Families in September, an archdiocesan event last week featured prayerful witness, a Mass and talks on issues for families.
Lafayette bishop offers prayers in wake of theater shooting
"On behalf of the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Lafayette, we offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the shooting at the Grand Theater in Lafayette," Bishop Jarrell said in a July 23 statement.
‘Walk with Francis’ service pledge drive launched in honor of visit
In anticipation of Pope Francis' September visit to Washington, the Archdiocese of Washington and its Catholic Charities arm have launched an effort that challenges members of the local community to reach out to those in need.
‘Good Is Winning’ social media effort gears up for Pope Francis’ visit
A broad digital media project to coincide with Pope Francis' visit this fall to the United States aims to recruit and interact with young people, particularly those who do not think of themselves as religious.
Frescoes at St. Augustine’s get historic designation
The Philadelphia Historical Commission has recognized the 1848 art in the church rebuilt after riots as the first frescoes to be painted in any American church.
The pope’s ‘staycation’: Correspondence, trip preparation fill his days
With the exception of a July 21 meeting with a group of mayors from around the world and the Sunday recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis' schedule was cleared of meetings, audiences and public appearances July 13-Aug. 4.
Archbishop reflects on religious liberty challenges after Obergefell
"Marriage, as understood between one man and one woman, is embedded throughout the law," he said, "so to upend that is to produce a sea change in our legal system."