News
Pope condemns abortion as product of ‘throwaway culture’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his strongest public words to date on the subject of abortion, Pope Francis affirmed the sacredness of unborn human life and linked its defense to the pursuit of social justice. "In all its phases and at every age, human life is always sacred and always of quality. And not as a matter of faith, but of reason and science!" the pope said Sept. 20 to a gathering of Catholic gynecologists.
Curia meeting seen as way to give pope more input from ‘entire church’
NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, one of eight cardinals appointed by Pope Francis to advise him on possible reforms of the Roman Curia, said Sept. 18 he has received extensive feedback from cardinals and archbishops in the U.S. and Canada in preparation for an Oct. 1-3 meeting with the pope.
Sitcom writer’s road to Catholic Church no laughing matter
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Tom Leopold is a very funny guy. He's also a Catholic. He has been funny longer than he has been a Catholic. But being a Catholic doesn't stop him from being funny.
Military archbishop guides chaplains on ministering to same-sex couples
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued guidelines on ministering to same-sex couples for military chaplains and other priests and deacons who serve Catholics in the military, U.S. Foreign Service personnel and those at Veterans Affairs facilities.
St. Aloysius School in Pottstown turns 100, keeps up with the times
When it opened in 1913 St. Aloysius School had 178 students, and over the years there have been ups and downs. But this year, according to principal Sarah Kerins, there are 250 children from pre-school through grade eight. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald visited the Pottstown school on Sunday, Sept. 15, to celebrate a centennial Mass in the parish church for this singular milestone.
Cause for G.K. Chesterton’s sainthood investigated in England
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — The bishop of Northampton, England, has appointed a priest to investigate the possibility of opening the cause for sainthood of G.K. Chesterton, a British journalist and author of the early 20th century. A statement released Sept. 19 by the diocese in central England said that the decision to investigate the cause […]
Syrian Christians targeted by outsiders, Syriac Catholic leader says
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Christians in Syria are continuing to be targeted by outside fundamentalist groups who have joined the country's long civil war, and the situation in Syria may become like that in Iraq, where half the Christian population has fled, said the head of the Syriac Catholic Church in Jerusalem.
Pope Francis says focus on morality can obscure Gospel message
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a lengthy and wide-ranging interview with one of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis spoke with characteristic frankness about overemphasizing Catholic teaching on sexual and medical ethics; the reasons for his deliberate and consultative governing style; and his highest priority for the church today.
Pope tells bishops to be humble, stay home, return phone calls
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Don't be on the road all the time, aloof or deaf to people's needs; be simple, loving and always close by, just like a spouse would be for his wife, Pope Francis told new bishops. Bishops are pastors, not princes, so always return people's calls, listen to parishioners, recognize one's limitations and sharpen that sense of humor, he said Sept. 19 to some 120 recently appointed bishops from around the world.
Northeast Philadelphia Catholic school wins $20K grant
St. Katherine of Siena School received a $20,000 grant from the Healey Education Foundation Sept. 5 for its school advancement efforts. Recent enrollment gains, a new governance board, fundraising and other initiatives show “a level of professionalism once seen only in higher education institutions."