News

Cardinal O’Malley says Rome ‘urgently’ needs to look into Bishop Finn

In an interview with "60 Minutes" airing Sunday, Nov. 16, Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston said the Vatican needs to address the situation of Bishop Robert Finn of Missouri, who was convicted in 2012 for failing to report suspected child abuse.

Vatican public restrooms to include showers for the homeless

Homeless people in Rome can get food easily, but not a shower. Soon they can shower in St. Peter's Square, but the effort will also require volunteers and donations of soap, towels and clean underwear, said the archbishop in charge of outreach.

Seal of confession is absolute, even after penitent dies, officials say

The secrecy of a confession is so serious that a priest would be excommunicated for revealing the contents of a confession when ordered to testify by a court, said officials at a Vatican conference this week.

Pope calls accountants to remember real people behind the numbers

Meeting with thousands of accountants from around the world, Pope Francis said they are called to reach out to needy people, get creative with intractable problems and ensure human dignity in the face of bureaucracy.

Pleading for peace, bishops in Mexico call violence a ‘national crisis’

Impassioned pleas for peace and justice are rising from ordinary Mexicans marching in the streets, as well as Pope Francis and Mexican bishops, after 43 teacher trainees were allegedly captured by crooked cops, killed by organized gangsters and burned.

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.”

Franciscan sister dies, served mostly as a teacher for 67 years

Sister Adele Siwak, O.S.F., died Nov. 6 at age 88. She taught for a combined 60 years in schools of the Philadelphia and Baltimore archdioceses.

Saints come to life in reports by second graders

The second graders at St. Christopher School in Northeast Philadelphia conducted research, created a report, made a costume and delivered the report in the character of their favorite saint.

Catholic-Muslim summit condemns terrorism

Two dozen Catholic and Muslim leaders meeting at the Vatican this week rejected all acts of violence committed in the name of religion. They also discussed ways to collaborate more in serving society.

Human and economic impact of climate change studied at Villanova

A panel discussion Tuesday night explored the effects of climate change on U.S. national security, the rural poor and emerging Catholic teaching on the topic.