News
Archbishop says botched execution highlights brutality of death penalty
OKLAHOMA CITY (CNS) -- Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City said the botched execution April 29 of an Oklahoma inmate "highlights the brutality of the death penalty" and should bring the nation to "consider whether we should adopt a moratorium on the death penalty or even abolish it altogether."
Path to priesthood began with, ‘Could you be a priest?’
That one question by a pastor led amicable and athletic Sean English from Drexel Hill to Lehigh University to St. Charles Seminary – and to ordination as a priest in just two weeks. See our fourth in a series on the men to be ordained priests May 17.
Vatican hopes U.N. committee resists ‘ideological pressure’ at hearing
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Days before a Vatican delegation was to appear before a U.N. committee, the Vatican's spokesman said he hoped the hearing would focus on implementation of an international treaty against torture and not be manipulated to focus instead on the clerical sexual abuse crisis.
Deportations bring a bitter rift among immigration reform advocates
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The united front of President Barack Obama and advocates for comprehensive immigration reform has tarnished and taken on an increasingly bitter tinge over deportations.
Pope: New attitude of ‘evangelical service’ must take hold at Vatican
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis told his new economic oversight council that it must be "courageous and determined" in its critical role of helping the church not waver from its real mission of bringing the Gospel to the world and helping those most in need.
Pope says he cried over images of Christians allegedly crucified
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said he cried when he recently saw images of Christians allegedly killed by crucifixion.
Pope: Fun, not money should rule sports; athletes must be good models
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Soccer-fan Pope Francis urged professional athletes to always be sportsmanlike on and off the field because so many people, especially kids, look up to them.
Cardinal O’Connor’s mother was convert from Judaism, research shows
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Cardinal John J. O'Connor, who as archbishop of New York cultivated and cherished his strong ties with the Jewish community, was born of a mother who was born Jewish.
Irish safeguarding board plans to follow pope and ‘kick up a fuss’
DUBLIN (CNS) -- The independent watchdog that monitors child safeguarding procedures in the Irish church pledged to follow the example of Pope Francis and "disturb the peace."
Three seniors win Gates Scholarships and full rides through college
Students from Hallahan, Roman Catholic and West Catholic high schools will receive the scholarships that will fund their undergraduate and graduate education at the universities of their choice, plus personal and professional development along the way.