News
Philadelphia parishioners pray for end to racial hatred
At Bible studies in four parishes this week, prayers were raised by many Catholics, including some with ties to victims of the shootings at a South Carolina church.
Implications of marriage ruling unclear, but far reaching
The ramifications of the June 26 same-sex marriage ruling could result in hundreds of new laws at the national, state and local levels, said Baltimore's archbishop.
Archbishop Chaput reacts to marriage ruling
Read Archbishop Chaput's statement on the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage
USCCB president calls Supreme Court ruling on marriage ‘tragic error’
UPDATED - "Regardless of what a narrow majority of the Supreme Court may declare at this moment in history, the nature of the human person and marriage remains unchanged and unchangeable," said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky.
Court rules same-sex marriage legal nationwide
UPDATED - "The nature of marriage is that, through its enduring bond, two persons together can find other freedoms, such as expression, intimacy, and spirituality," wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy for the 5-4 majority. "This is true for all persons, whatever their sexual orientation."
South Carolinians pay tribute to slain pastor-senator, other victims
Thousands of mourners stood together for hours on a brutally hot day, waiting patiently for the chance to pay their respects. Strangers struck up conversations, sharing fans and umbrellas against the sun; showing through their actions once again that even though an act of hate had brought them there, it had no place in their midst.
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.