News
Central African Republic bishops warn of natural resource plundering
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- Catholic bishops in conflict-torn Central African Republic warned that their country's wildlife and natural resources are being plundered by outside groups and demanded more effective leadership from the transitional government.
Vatican official voices opposition to automated weapons systems
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- No matter how sophisticated and how many algorithms are programmed to help a drone or other machine make calculations before firing on a target, autonomous weapons systems could never comply with international human rights law, a Vatican official said.
Cardinal, at Catholic prayer breakfast, calls for immigration reform
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, the keynote speaker at the 10th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, issued a call for immigration reform.
Kenyan bishop urges Christians, Muslims to embrace peacemaking acts
NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- Heightened tensions and rising suspicions among Christians and Muslims can be overcome when faith leaders embrace practical peacemaking activities that promote understanding across religious divides, a Kenyan bishop said.
Monastery invites prayers at relics of St. Therese and blessed parents
The sisters of the Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia will host a talk on the marital spirituality of the French saint’s parents, plus benediction and all-day prayer on June 1.
Vocal group to sing at West Chester church before visit to France
Chester County Voices Abroad will present a concert of sacred music on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at SS. Simon and Jude Church, West Chester, before departing for the 23rd international trip.
‘Black mass’ outcry leads to cancellation, prayers
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (CNS) -- A Harvard University student group's plan to conduct a satanic ritual "black mass" May 12 on campus brought a public outcry, leading to its formal cancellation and an apparently impromptu off-campus version of the event, as well as a well-attended alternative Catholic holy hour.
Vatican archbishop: Buon giorno Philadelphia!
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia of the Pontifical Council for the Family toured the city’s historic sites – including the possible site of a Mass with Pope Francis – in a visit to help plan next year’s World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
New rural police force in Mexico faces distrust from priests, community
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Father Andres Larios once supported the highly effective self-defense groups, which formed to fight off drug cartels carrying out various crimes in the western state of Michoacan.
Letters to Irish priest reveal Jackie Kennedy’s struggles with faith
DUBLIN (CNS) -- Newly released letters between former U.S. first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and a Dublin-based priest reveal Kennedy's struggles to keep her faith after her husband's assassination.