News
Naples’ Nativity scene nears completion in St. Peter’s Square
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The world famous Nativity scenes of Naples never follow just the biblical account of Jesus' birth; for one thing, the figures usually are dressed in 18th-century costumes, but also it's not unusual for a modern-day politician or even pope to enter the scen
Remember those like Holy Family who are homeless, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Seeing a protest sign in St. Peter's Square that read "The poor cannot wait," Pope Francis urged individuals and government leaders to recognize the pain, struggles and rights of families -- like Jesus, Mary and Joseph -- who do not have a home.
N.J. Catholic Conference applauds passage of in-state tuition bill
TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- The New Jersey Catholic Conference praised state officials for adopting a law that allows undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at the state's public colleges and universities.
For 400 children, a fun Christmas party showed the reason for the season
The 57th Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children treated special kids – representing thousands served by Catholic Social Services – to songs, presents and a visit from Archbishop Chaput and Santa Claus.
Pope pays pre-Christmas visit to Rome’s children’s hospital
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With lots of kisses, but very few words, Pope Francis spent more than two-and-a-half hours visiting sick children, their parents and doctors at Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital Dec. 21.
New Mexico court, federal judge in Utah recognize same-sex marriage
UPDATED -- WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A federal judge Dec. 20 struck down Utah's ban on same-sex marriage, arguing it violated the U.S. Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and due process. A day earlier the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that barring same-sex couples from marrying violates the equal protection clause of that state's constitution.
Phila. court asks further notice on Catholic cemeteries’ deal
Orphan’s Court of Philadelphia got letters about the proposed lease of the cemeteries, and wanted more time for people to comment. Parishioners will see a notice inviting them to do so.
Archbishop Chaput sends Christmas message
Listen to the archbishop's audio reflection on Christmas and his greeting to everyone.
Christian leaders say violence in South Sudan is political, not ethnic
For two days the leaders of the nation's Christian churches issued a joint statement urging the government and political leaders to protect the nation's citizens and to remain calm and not incite violence. The efforts joined others to prevent South Sudan from plunging into civil war.
Catholic-Orthodox ties improve in Russia, church official says
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The Catholic Church in Russia predicted a "steady improvement" in ties with the predominant Orthodox Church after a visit by Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council fort Promoting Christian Unity.