News
Pope urges Israeli, Palestinian leaders to end Holy Land hostilities
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Expressing his serious concerns over the escalating violence in the Holy Land, Pope Francis telephoned Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urging all sides to end hostilities and build peace.
Pope prays for victims of downed plane, urges peace in Ukraine
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Though exactly what happened to Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 remained unclear, Pope Francis offered prayers for the 298 passengers and crew members who died when it came down in eastern Ukraine.
Federal judge rules California’s death penalty system unconstitutional
SANTA ANA, Calif. (CNS) -- A federal judge ruled July 16 that California's "dysfunctional administration" of the state's death penalty system has resulted in "inordinate and unpredictable" delays, rendering the system cruel and unusual punishment, and as such it is unconstitutional.
Religious processions have no room for mafiosi, Calabrian bishops say
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholics in mafia-infested areas of southern Italy have to stop simply talking about Christ and become "credible witnesses" by purifying popular local celebrations of anything that hints of a mix of Christianity and tolerance for organized crime, said the bishops of Calabria.
Cardinal: Muslims, Christians work for peace, especially in war zones
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians and Muslims should work together to bring peace and reconciliation, especially where the two communities face "the horror of war," said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
Immaculate Heart Sister James Grace passes at age 65
The sister from Immaculate Conception Parish in Germantown spent almost all of her 47 years in religious life teaching first and second graders in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and Camden Diocese.
Teacher, tutor, Immaculate Heart sister dies at 81
Sister Jane Frances Chila, I.H.M., grew up in Stella Maris Parish in South Philadelphia before entering the convent and teaching in archdiocesan schools for more than 20 years.
CRS adviser: Many Filipinos went to shelters before Rammasun struck
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) --- An emergency adviser for Catholic Relief Services said many Filipinos learned from Typhoon Haiyan and willingly went to shelters before Typhoon Rammasun struck.
Priest play-by-play announcer knows well the all-time leader in saves
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (CNS) -- It's Iowa, not heaven, but Father Craig Collison's hobby as a baseball announcer coincides with his priestly ministry in evangelization. Many times, "a coach, a player, a parent, a fan, has pulled me aside to talk about a problem, ask a question they've been wondering about, or even hear their confession," he said.
Birth control prescriptions focus attention on Canadian doctors’ rights
OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) -- Doctors who refuse to prescribe birth control pills have become the focus of a debate over physicians' rights to freedom of conscience and religion when practicing medicine.