News
Climate talks ignored need for urgent action, agencies say
DOHA, Qatar (CNS) — Representatives of Christian aid and development agencies expressed disappointment that, despite a Dec. 8 agreement among delegates at the U.N. climate talks to extend the Kyoto Protocol aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, there was little urgency to quicken the pace to respond to climate change. The representatives were concerned because […]
In Loving Memory: Joseph Washklovitch Sr.
Archbishop Wood to face one of nation’s top teams in state football championship
And then there was one. Hopes of having two teams from the Catholic League capture state football titles was cut in half last Friday, Dec. 7 when La Salle was edged by Coatesville, 42-35, in the Class AAAA semifinals. But to the rescue came Archbishop Wood, which simultaneously manhandled Allentown Central Catholic, 36-6, in the […]
Oil companies help fund Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Oil giants such as Total and Shell and other companies operating in southern Italy’s petroleum-rich Basilicata region footed the expenses for this year’s Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. The regional government offered to donate to the Vatican a 1,615-square-foot artistic representation of Christ’s birth, resulting in “very significant savings” for […]
Catholics walk, pray, celebrate love for Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast
Spanish-speaking Catholics poured out their love for Our Lady of Guadalupe throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this week. For the Tuesday, Dec. 11 vigil preceding our Lady’s feast on Dec. 12, hundreds of Latino pilgrims from Philadelphia parishes began to walk in a procession as early as 4 p.m. from their homes to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in center city for a Mass and celebration.
Federal judge calls pro-life license plate ‘viewpoint discrimination’
RALEIGH, N.C. (CNS) -- The Catholic bishops of North Carolina said they were "deeply saddened" that a federal judge ruled the state cannot issue "Choose Life" license plates without offering a choice of plates with a different viewpoint.
Pa. won’t set up health insurance exchanges, might opt out of abortion in federal plan
UPDATE -- Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced Dec. 12 that the state would not set up its own health insurance exchanges and instead join the federal exchange, which will cover elective abortions. Just how the decision will impact such issues as abortion is not totally clear.
China groups revoke bishop’s appointment; archbishop calls for worldwide prayers
SHANGHAI (CNS) — The government-sanctioned Catholic bishops’ conference has revoked Shanghai Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin’s appointment, saying he violated their rules for episcopal ordinations, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. Joseph Liu Yuanlong, a vice chair of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, confirmed Dec. 12 that the association and the Bishops’ Conference […]
Pope asks Catholics to read Bible, recall history of God’s saving love
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Urging Catholics to “pick up the Bible” and read it during the Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI said the Scriptures recount the story of God’s love for humanity and the steps he took throughout history to save all men and women. “That which enlightens and gives full meaning to the […]
Pope launches Twitter account, tweets to more than 1 million followers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI launched his very own Twitter account, sending a short inaugural message to his more than 1 million followers. "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart," it said. His tweet -- 139 characters -- went viral as the number of followers of @Pontifex and its seven other extensions grew by more than 5,000 new people an hour, a Vatican official said.