News
Archbishop: Catholics should be free to serve with ‘eucharistic heart’
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The Eucharist conforms Catholics to "the pattern of Christ's self-giving love" and compels them to see the dignity of the poor and perform acts of mercy, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said at the June 21 opening Mass for this year's Fortnight for Freedom.
Sudanese Catholic woman convicted of apostasy is released from prison
KHARTOUM, Sudan (CNS) -- Meriam Ibrahim, 26, a Catholic woman convicted of apostasy for marrying a Christian, was released from prison June 23, her lawyer said.
Marchers feel encouraged in their stance for traditional marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Father Rick Kosisko found a lot to be thankful for during the March for Marriage. Joined by hundreds of supporters of traditional marriage at the U.S. Capitol June 19, the pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, told Catholic News Service he was pleased to know that others felt it was important to show up in Washington to share their views about the sacredness of the bond between one man and one woman.
Maronite bishops: Mideast turmoil threatens to change regional map
BEIRUT (CNS) -- Maronite Catholic bishops expressed their concern about the war in Syria and Iraq and warned that Lebanon's presidential vacuum poses a dangerous risk to the country, particularly amid the escalating regional turmoil that they said threatens to change the map of the Middle East.
Sisters join lawsuit to force ‘gentlemen’s club’ to close
CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo are not pleased by having a "gentlemen's club" operating in their backyard, and they are not going to be quiet about it.
Pope calls torture a ‘very grave sin’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis called for the abolition of torture, which he condemned as a "very grave sin."
Pope condemns mafia, says members are excommunicated
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the stronghold of an Italian crime syndicate believed to be richer and more powerful than the Sicilian Mafia, Pope Francis said, "Those who follow the path of evil, like the mafiosi do, are not in communion with God; they are excommunicated!"
Mexico’s congress lifts restrictions on politicking from pulpit
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Mexican congress removed restrictions on preaching about politics from the pulpit, a move some priests say increases religious liberty in a country with a history of state-sponsored anti-clericalism.
Administration announces steps to handle surge of kids at border
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As Vice President Joe Biden was conferring with Central American presidents about a surge of children arriving at the U.S. border without a parent, other administration officials were outlining steps to try to keep more people from attempting the dangerous, illegal trek.
Vatican declares Chilean bishop innocent of sexual abuse charges
SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- After almost a year of investigation, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith concluded that Bishop Cristian Contreras Molina of San Felipe was innocent of the child abuse accusations made against him.