News
Changes in synod process designed to increase discussion, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family will be shorter than a usual synod and will include new rules aimed at helping the bishops really grapple with the issues together, said the general secretary of the synod.
Native American Catholics gather to pray, reflect, recharge their faith
FARGO, N.D. (CNS) — On the 75th anniversary of the Tekakwitha Conference, Native American Catholics came together again to review the past, plan for the future and recharge their faith. More than 750 people from 35 states and representing 135 tribes gathered under the theme “To walk humbly,” a nod to namesake St. Kateri Tekakwitha, […]
Patriarch decries ‘mass cleansing’ of Mosul by ‘a bed of criminals’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Syriac Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan, in Washington to meet with federal government representatives and members of Congress, decried the "mass cleansing" of Christians from Mosul, Iraq, by what he called "a bed of criminals."
Movie tells story of Catholic high school team’s amazing winning streak
OAKLAND, Calif. (CNS) -- This is how a movie gets made.
A strong America is not possible without strong Americans, says Rubio
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said that growing up in a "strong and stable family" has given him an advantage in life because he was "taught certain values that result in success."
Pope shows up at Vatican cafeteria for Friday lunch with workers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Taking the chef completely by surprise, Pope Francis unexpectedly showed up to eat with the Vatican's blue collar workers at their cafeteria in the tiny city-state's "industrial park." He acted "normally, like the humblest of the workers," the chef said.
Syrian Christian leader warns of impending Islamic State assault
NICOSIA, Cyprus (CNS) -- A prominent Syrian Christian political leader has warned of an impending assault on the northeastern province of Hassake amid reports that thousands of Islamist fighters are preparing to take control of the predominantly Christian and Kurdish area.
New York mayor excited about possible visit by pope to NYC
UPDATED - NEW YORK (CNS) -- New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said it would be an "extraordinary moment for our city and an extraordinary honor" if Pope Francis visited the Big Apple in September 2015, when the World Meeting of Families takes place in Philadelphia.
Archbishop Chaput says pope will visit Philadelphia in September 2015
"Pope Francis has told me that he is coming" to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year, Archbishop Charles Chaput said July 24, even though the Philadelphia Archdiocese still has not received official confirmation from the Vatican.
Obama administration says it plans opt-out alternative on mandate
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Obama administration has filed a brief with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver indicating it plans to develop an alternative for Catholic and other religious nonprofit employers to opt out of providing federally mandated contraceptives they object to including in their employee health care coverage.