News
Pope’s visit tests security forces charged with guarding his every move
The Secret Service, the lead agency developing the security plan, and local law enforcement authorities have declined or not responded to requests by Catholic News Service to discuss any aspect -- no matter how general -- of security preparations for the pope's busy Sept. 22-27 visit.
Excommunicated Chinese bishops ordain priests in separate ceremonies
Catholic leaders expressed concern over the ordinations, saying it was yet another example of the communist government tightening its control over the church.
LCWR head says new era of communion with Vatican closes ‘cultural chasm’
Sister Sharon Holland, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, told the group's annual assembly that behavior that is normal for a woman in American culture -- such as asking questions and thinking critically -- might easily be perceived as disrespectful in another setting.
Men religious commit to ‘deeper engagement’ in addressing climate issue
The conference, made up of leaders who represent more than 17,000 Catholic religious brothers and priests in the United States, laid out steps for member congregations to take in solidarity with Pope Francis' call to action on climate change in his encyclical on the environment.
Vatican U.N. representative reports high interest in papal visit
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, head of the Holy See's permanent observer mission at the United Nations, told Vatican Radio: "There is so much interest. Everybody wants to see the pope, even from a distance. The dream of so many is to have a selfie with the pope."
Hong Kong cardinal urges Chinese Communist chiefs to end cross removals
"I sincerely and urgently appealed to the central government to contact the Zhejiang provincial government and investigate the real situation and stop all illegal cross removals," the cardinal said in an Aug. 12 statement.
French churches get increased security before feast of Assumption
"Every religious gathering, whatever its magnitude ... is vulnerable today to acts of malevolence, which may extend to terrorism," the country's Interior Ministry and bishops' conference said in a joint message to Catholic dioceses.
Ideals worth sacrificing for: Pope to challenge U.S. Congress, U.N.
Along with having a winning smile and a warm embrace, Pope Francis is known for challenging people — particularly calling out hypocrisy and gossip.
Women are further victimized by harvesting of fetal parts, says counselor
Sue Harvath, a psychologist and founding member of Project Rachel in St. Louis, said the act of obtaining fetal body parts is manipulative and flat wrong.
Elderly can keep growing, offer gifts to others, says U.S. priest
Paulist Father Thomas Ryan was turning 50 when he decided he didn't want just another birthday cake, scoop of ice cream and "Happy Birthday" song. The U.S. priest wanted to look seriously at the second half of his life and its potential.