News
Pope says he’s drawn to prisoners because he’s human like they are
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said his care, concern and prayers for those in prison flow from a recognition that he is human like they are, and it's a mystery they fell so far and he did not. "Thinking about this is good for me: When we have the same weakness, why did they fall and I didn't? This is a mystery that makes me pray and draws me to prisoners," the pope said Oct. 23 during a brief audience with about 200 Italian prison chaplains.
Pope authorizes leave of absence for German ‘luxury bishop’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has authorized a leave of absence for a German bishop at the center of controversy over expenditures for his residence and diocesan center.
West Chester parish hosts tea for mothers, daughters
Women and their daughters are invited for tea and discussion to explore God’s gift of human fertility. The tea will be held Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at SS. Simon and Jude Church, 10 Cavanaugh Court in West Chester. The afternoon will feature light refreshments and fun along with life-affirming conversations. Talks will […]
Growing Hispanic presence in U.S. church seen as blessing and challenge
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (CNS) -- The fact that Spanish-speaking and Latino Catholics are fast becoming a major segment -- already about one-third -- of the Catholic population in the U.S. wasn't lost on a range of Catholic Hispanic leadership gathered Oct. 17-20 for a regional encounter.
Cardinal Maida dedicates mosaic of late pope at national shrine
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Polish-Americans, including Cornell University senior Adrian Poniatowski, filled the Chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa to honor the Catholic Church's first Polish pontiff, who encouraged people throughout the world to be active members of the church.
Thomas Foley dies at 84; was House speaker for nearly six years
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The nation lost "a true American statesman" with the passing of Thomas S. Foley, former speaker of the House, said the president of his alma mater, Jesuit-run Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.
NFL execs, alumnus give $10 million to Catholic school in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- Walking out of the Catholic High School locker rooms en route to practice, three freshmen football players turned a corner and came face to face with a white-haired man briskly descending the stairs in a well-cut navy suit. As they stopped to let the man pass, their eyes widened in recognition of Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
Elections, marriage and confirmation texts among bishops’ agenda items
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Elections for a new president and vice president, a discussion and vote on a Spanish-language book of prayers at Mass, and a proposal to develop a statement on pornography are among the items awaiting the U.S. bishops when they gather in Baltimore for their annual fall assembly.
Vatican ambassador tells U.N.: ‘Without life, all other rights are meaningless’
UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — In remarks Oct. 18 to a U.N. General Assembly committee focusing on the promotion and protection of children’s rights, the Vatican’s nuncio to the U.N. said, “Without life, all other rights are meaningless.” Archbishop Francis Chullikatt was commenting on a U.N. report on child mortality, which concluded that the U.N.’s goal […]
Vatican’s media adviser offers ‘Top 10’ ways to understand Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- No matter how some media may want to spin it, Pope Francis won't fit into the political categories of left or right, and he will challenge everyone with the truth of the Gospel, said the Vatican's media adviser. "The pope's picture should have one of those warning labels" much like a pack of cigarettes, said Greg Burke, but with the words, "Danger: This man could change your life." Burke offered his take on decoding the pontiff with his own rundown of "Pope Francis in 10 Words."