News
Saints’ congregation reportedly acts on causes of JP II, John XXIII
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The cardinals and archbishops who are members of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes met July 2 and, according to Italian news reports, took steps to advance the sainthood causes of Blesseds John Paul II and John XXIII. The Vatican press office confirmed the meeting, but said that all deliberations in sainthood […]
U.K. may allow DNA changes to abolish disease; church institute critical
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- A Catholic bioethics institute criticized plans by the British government to create "genetically modified children" free of hereditary disease and said the treatment could affect the child's descendants in unknown ways. The Department of Health announced June 28 that, later this year, it will publish draft regulations on two mitochondrial replacement techniques.
Director, deputy director of Vatican bank resign
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The director and the deputy director of the Vatican bank, which is being investigated by a special papal commission, resigned July 1. A statement from the Vatican press office said Director Paolo Cipriani and Massimo Tulli, deputy director, offered their resignations “in the best interest of the institute and the Holy […]
U.S. bishops want to give ‘careful analysis’ to HHS final rules
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The final rules issued June 28 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implementing its mandate that employers provide coverage of contraceptives "will require more careful analysis," New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a statement. The cardinal, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the 110-page ruling is "long and complex" and the bishops will "provide a fuller statement when that analysis is complete."
Lifelong Philadelphian and Tacony parishioner Anna Legin dies at 100
Anna J. Legin, 100, of Philadelphia died June 27 at Deer Meadows Nursing Home in Northeast Philadelphia. She was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in the Tacony section of Philadelphia.
Federal appeals court finds merit in Hobby Lobby’s challenge of mandate
DENVER (CNS) — In a June 27 ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver reversed a decision of the lower court in Hobby Lobby’s challenge to a federal contraceptive mandate, saying that the chain of arts-and-crafts store will not have to pay fines while its lawsuit makes its way through […]
Pro-lifers challenging ‘buffer zone’ feel they’ll prevail, lawyer says
WORCESTER, Mass. (CNS) — Two Worcester sidewalk counselors are among seven plaintiffs in the “buffer zone” lawsuit the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear during its next term. The court announced June 24 that it accepted the case, which challenges lower court rulings that the Massachusetts “buffer zone” law is constitutional. [hotblock] That law prohibits […]
Senate immigration bill passes, moves to uncertain fate in House
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The diverse coalition of faith, labor, business and civil rights activists who are trying to rework the nation’s immigration system celebrated the June 27 Senate passage of a massive reform bill. The bill moves to the House, where Speaker John Boehner has said he would not allow it on the floor unless […]
Teacher from Allentown Diocese bikes across U.S. for Catholic education
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CNS) -- When Rebecca Gonzalez dismissed her students from Notre Dame of Bethlehem School for summer break, she planned to continue bettering their education by putting her foot to the pedal. Like many of her students, the fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher is spending most of her summer days on a bicycle. But instead of biking to friends' houses or the local pool, she is biking across the country for "Coast to Coast for Catholic Schools," an event she created to raise awareness for Catholic education.
Texas lawmakers fail to pass abortion control bill, will try again July 1
AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) -- The Texas Catholic Conference was "disappointed that the disruptions in the Senate chamber" prevented state lawmakers from passing a strict abortion law before a midnight deadline June 25. The bill would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.