News
El Salvador welcomes four new martyrs, symbols of Vatican II church
The martyrs beatified -- including a teenage boy, priests and a sacristan -- were part of more than 75,000 civilians killed during the country's civil war in the 1970s and '80s that ended with peace accords in 1992.
Compassion, love at heart of Catholic Charities Appeal, says archbishop
With a goal of $12.5 million, the Philadelphia Archdiocese's largest annual fundraiser, launched Jan. 24, benefits some 180 ministries that served almost a million people last year, said Archbishop Nelson Pérez.
In East European conflicts, Vatican plays vital diplomatic role
Thirty years after the breakup of the Soviet Union, its tremors reverberate from Kazakhstan to Belarus to the conflict at the Ukrainian-Russian border. The Catholic Church is involved in the region as a local actor, as a neutral mediator and as a peace-seeking faith.
Retired Pope Benedict corrects statement for Munich abuse report
Amending a written statement made to a panel investigating clerical sexual abuse in his former archdiocese, retired Pope Benedict XVI said he was present at a 1980 meeting to discuss the transfer of a priest accused of misconduct.
Pope sets Jan. 26 as day of prayer for peace in Ukraine
Saying he was worried about how a possible Russian-Ukrainian conflict could spread, Pope Francis' call for peace echoed that of Catholic bishops in Ukraine, Poland and the U.S., who are praying for the prevention of war.
Changes in clergy assignments announced
Archbishop Nelson Perez announced the appointment of priests affecting three parishes of the Philadelphia Archdiocese Jan. 24.
Ukrainian crisis a threat to Europe and democracy, local leaders say
A Russian invasion of Ukraine spells "life or death for thousands" of people, the displacement of millions and a return to authoritarianism in former Soviet nations, said Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop Borys Gudziak and others.
Rally speakers confident about abortion law changes but see work ahead
Speakers at a rally for the March for Life Jan. 21 commended the dedication of thousands gathering for the event each year to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
Pro-life marchers’ energy, enthusiasm is ‘palpable,’ says march official
Tens of thousands joined the 49th annual March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington. If Roe v. Wade is overturned this year, statewide marches will be planned in all 50 states over the next seven years.
Catholics urged to pray, work for day when law protects every life
The Catholic Church's opposition to abortion "is a response of love for both mothers and their children in the womb," said a key U.S. bishop marking the anniversary of legal abortion.