News

CRS official: Gaza a ‘complete catastrophe’ on ‘brink of collapse’

A top Catholic charity official described Gaza as a "complete catastrophe" after nearly four weeks of fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas.

Bill would protect faith-based adoption agencies against discrimination

Two lawmakers July 30 introduced a measure they say is needed to protect faith-based agencies that provide adoption and foster care services from discrimination based on their religious beliefs.

On eve of pope’s visit, Americans in South Korea build Catholic faith

Maryknoll Sister Jean Maloney first arrived in South Korea to work as a nurse after the Korean War ended more than 50 years ago.

Scandals causing more Germans to leave Catholic Church, cardinal says

A German cardinal warned that the number of Catholics leaving his country's church is "alarmingly high" and urged an end to "scandals and vexations" involving clergy.

Chinese bishop urges Catholics to hold firm as religious symbols removed

Bishop Vincent Zhu Weifang of Wenzhou has written an open letter to Catholics in the diocese, asking them to defend their "rights and dignity" during a campaign by the local government to demolish religious symbols.

Bishop says saint’s remains have spiritual power to heal, move hearts

The mortal remains of St. Marianne Cope found a final resting place in Honolulu's Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace July 31, welcomed back in an exuberant two-and-a-half hour celebration of prayers, songs, gestures, reflections, dance, flowers and incense.

‘Great War’ brought Catholics, bishops into mainstream of U.S. society

World War I was dubbed "the Great War" because of the near-global scale of the fighting.

Compassion, sharing, Eucharist: Steps on the path to heaven, pope says

Going forward for Communion at Mass, Catholics must do so with a desire to imitate Jesus' compassion for others and with a commitment to sharing what they have, Pope Francis said.

Archbishop says he won’t resign, points to progress on abuse claims

Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis said the archdiocese has made significant progress in improving procedures for addressing sexual abuse claims and he will not resign over past missteps on such cases.

Pope lifts suspension of Father D’Escoto, former Sandinista official

Pope Francis has lifted the suspension of Maryknoll Father Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, who was ordered 29 years ago to stop exercising his priestly ministry because he refused to give up his political position in Nicaragua's Sandinista government.