News

Pope asks prisoners to pray that Christ make him a better servant

In a moving ceremony, Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 prison inmates in Rome, plus a small toddler who lives with his incarcerated mother.

Pittsburgh Diocese waives all annulment application fees

Typically, those seeking annulments have paid up to $650 to the diocese, which covered about one-third of the costs. The policy is effective immediately.

Court blocks Israeli plan to extend separation wall in West Bank

Israel's Supreme Court blocked a plan to build a separation barrier that would have divided a Catholic monastery, a convent and adjacent olive vineyards.

Indiana bishops urge mutual respect in religious freedom debate

The bishops supported efforts in Indiana both to defend the dignity of all persons and the rights of people to be free from "undue burden from the government" in the practice of their faith.

After changes, Arkansas governor signs religious freedom law

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed into law a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that prohibits the state from burdening people's ability to practice their religion.

Today’s teaching on the family

See the daily excerpt from the preparatory catechesis for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

Pope to priests: Exhaustion is part of ministry

Priestly ministry is hard, sometimes lonely work, but priests must draw strength from their flock and their love for God, Pope Francis said during the chrism Mass April 2 in Rome.

Today’s teaching on the family

See the daily excerpt from the preparatory catechesis for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

Blue Mass to be celebrated in Yardley

St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish welcomes all first responders -- police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians -- to a special Mass April 17.

Catholic, Orthodox churches moving closer to unity

Reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox churches is urgently needed, said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who suggested joint social-justice action.