News
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.
Catholic blogger writes for people who live ‘at intersection of cross’
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) -- When Catholic blogger Heather King is asked who her readers are, she describes them as "anyone with a bleeding heart who lives at the intersection of the cross."
Catholic media urged to bring fresh energy, compassion to their work
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) -- Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, the Vatican archbishop who holds the post once held by Cardinal John Foley, told Catholic journalists June 19 in Charlotte that Pope Francis feels the greatest challenge for the church today is "to become mother," and to figure out "how to express in our media the maternity of the church."
Clergy assignment changes announced
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announces the following appointments effective June 30 unless otherwise noted.
Vatican publishes reflection on discerning essentials of faith
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When a significant portion of the Catholic faithful ignore or reject a church teaching, it is often a sign that social pressures are weakening their faith or that church leaders have not explained the teaching, said members of the International Theological Commission.
Because of distance, pope will not walk in Corpus Christi procession
In addition to the difficulty he has walking long distances, Pope Francis wanted to preserve his energy for his June 21 visit to an Italian town and a full day of activities there. A papal spokesman insisted the pope was not ill. "Try doing half of what he does," said Father Frederico Lombardi, "you'd think you were Superman."
Speakers urge Americans to promote love and truth at March for Marriage
Updated - WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone told hundreds June 19 in Washington that when they are "unfairly painted as a bigot" for speaking the truth of marriage, it may be "tempting to respond in kind. Don’t. We must not allow the angry rhetoric to co-opt us into a culture of hate.” Watch a video from the march.