News
Catholics in Poland, Western Ukraine welcome people fleeing threat of war
The head of the Polish bishops' conference asked Polish Catholics to continue praying for peace, but also to be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Catholic Relief Services in the U.S. was prepared to help as tensions mount.
U.N. wants faith groups’ help on plastic pollution
A senior U.N. official during the Faith for Earth Dialogue in Kenya urged religious groups to help reach a global agreement to curb plastic pollution, amid experts warning that single-use or disposable plastics were choking the planet.
Traditionalist priests can continue with pre-Vatican II liturgies
Pope Francis will allow members of the Fraternity of St. Peter to continue to celebrate the Mass, sacraments and Liturgy of the Hours in Latin and using the texts and forms predating the Second Vatican Council.
Celibacy not ‘divine law’ for priests, but promotes holiness, speakers say
Celibacy for priests in the Latin rite helps them "love like (Jesus) and with him, to serve with him and like him in the way that Jesus historically loved, which was in a celibate way," said a speaker at a Rome conference.
Vatican astronomers make two new discoveries in space
The finding a new member of the solar system beyond Neptune and the discovery of evidence for a long-lost galaxy "eaten up" by the Milky Way were among the work of two Jesuit priests announced this month.
Scholarships enable students to foster the ‘Spirit of America’
Some 900 archdiocesan high school students will be able to attend a unique civics program hosted by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, thanks to a Connelly Foundation grant.
Pope decries warmongering, prays for Eastern Catholics in danger
Humanity seems bent on making war, which should "make us all ashamed," Pope Francis said to leaders of the Eastern Catholic churches dealing with the threat or aftermath of war.
Florida House OKs bill to ban abortions after 15 weeks
A companion measure faces a Senate vote next week and could be passed by both chambers by the end of the month. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he would sign it into law.
Global ratio of Catholics per priest growing more imbalanced
New Vatican statistics show there is one priest for every 3,314 Catholics in the world -- one priest for 1,746 Catholics in Europe; 2,086 Catholics per priest in the Americas and 5,089 Catholics per priest in Africa.
Monasticism sees a bump as people seek meaning
Monastic traditions -- including stability, silence, community, hospitality, love of learning and continual growth -- are becoming attractive especially to non-religious Millennials.