News
Univision poll shows strong support for church teaching in Asia, Africa
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- A poll by Spanish-language broadcaster Univision shows Catholics in Asia and Africa, where the church is growing fastest, expressing strong support for church teachings. The poll of self-identified Catholics in 12 countries showed high approval of Pope Francis, but split on subjects such as abortion, priests being able to marry and same-sex marriage.
Religious leaders reiterate: Central African conflict not religious
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- Church leaders in the Central African Republic reiterated that the media is wrong in reporting a "religious war" in their country and insisted Christians and Muslims are working together in government and society to secure peace.
Church workers rejoice, recall challenges as India declared polio-free
KOTTAYAM, India (CNS) -- As the World Health Organization declared India "polio-free" Feb. 11, church health workers celebrated and reflected on the challenges they faced convincing parents to allow their children to get the vaccine.
A turbulent year that strengthened the papacy
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI announced on Feb. 11, 2013, that he would become the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, one common line of thought held that, for better or worse, his decision might leave the papacy a less exalted and powerful office, bringing the supreme pontiff closer to the level of other bishops, clergy and faithful.
Living in remodeled convent, Pope Benedict is not cloistered, aides say
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In retirement, Pope Benedict XVI follows a daily schedule similar to that of any retired bishop or religious: He prays, reads, strolls, talks with people and offers them spiritual advice, the Vatican spokesman said.
Pope names bishop for Albany Diocese; Rockville Centre to get auxiliary
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., and named Msgr. Edward B. Scharfenberger, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., to succeed him.
Ukrainian church leader asks for prayers to resolve national crisis
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, Ukraine, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, capped a weeklong visit to the United States by asking all people of goodwill to join Ukrainian Catholics in prayer to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine.
Thumbnail bios of the men who will become cardinals Feb. 22
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is some brief biographical information about each of the 19 churchmen Pope Francis will induct into the College of Cardinals Feb. 22.
Puerto Rican sainthood candidate known for piety, drive to teach poor
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) -- To the average Puerto Rican, born and raised in the country, the figure of "el maestro Rafael" (Rafael the teacher) was a fleeting reference in a grade school lesson.
Miami Catholic hopes app will help people ‘fall in love with the Mass’
As a young man, Dan Gonzalez drifted from the church and stopped attending Mass. As he learned about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, his life's work caught fire: explaining the meaning and value of the Catholic Mass to the young.