News
A friend to all men, great and common
Bob Sims, devout Catholic family man, received the Sourin Award April 10, the Catholic Philos' highest honor. Sims has served on Catholic organizations, advised cardinals, met popes, befriended priests -- and positively influenced other people too numerous to count.
Pope Francis drags human trafficking onto world stage
As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio celebrated annual open-air Masses for and with victims of human trafficking, condemning the "great mafia of very elegant people" -- the traffickers and those who profit from the illegal trade -- whose "money is stained with blood." As pope, he now makes it a global issue and decries the world's indifference.
Indian sisters nurture hope, reconciliation in teeming South Sudan camp
JUBA, South Sudan (CNS) -- When South Sudan's fledgling democracy suddenly unraveled in December, what started as political infighting within the country's ruling party quickly ripped along ethnic fault lines, often pitting neighbors against each other according to the tribal markings on their faces.
Archdiocese’s campaign raised less than $200 million, documents show
After adjustments to the Heritage of Faith-Vision of Hope capital campaign’s stated total of $221 million raised, and disbursement of $30 million to parishes, $55 million was available for major needs in the archdiocese.
Pope to pro-life activists: Defend the unborn, support pregnant women
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said Christians must defend life at all stages, especially before birth, and he praised efforts to assist pregnant women in difficulty and prevent the destruction of human embryos.
Pope apologizes for clerical sex abuse, promises tough sanctions
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "I feel called to take responsibility for all the evil some priests -- large in number, but not in proportion to the total -- have committed and to ask forgiveness for the damage they've done with the sexual abuse of children," Pope Francis said.
Poet calls Blessed John Paul II a man of compassion
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) -- Lena Allen-Shore, a Jewish Holocaust survivor, learned how to carry on despite a traumatic past from her "dear friend," the late pope, through letters and visits over the course of 25 years.
Dioceses raise $24.5 million for Typhoon Haiyan recovery, rebuilding
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. dioceses raised $24.5 million in the special collection taken for relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.
St. Bridget Church to host choral concert
The Archdiocesan Boys Choir will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at St. Bridget Church in Philadelphia's East Falls section.
Christian groups concerned about police actions during Holy Week
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Palestinian Christian institutions charged that Israeli police security measures during Holy Week and Easter hamper access by Christian pilgrims to holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City.