News
Pope Benedict, citing age, announces he will resign
UPDATE -- VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the universal church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning at the end of the month after an eight-year pontificate. See updates on this developing story in our Papal Transition section, featuring more stories and photos of Pope Benedict, and information on the coming conclave to elect a new pope.
Theologian: American youth a ravaged but promising mission field
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In sexual morality, family life and education, the Baby Boom generation ushered in a series of cultural changes that led to an "anthropological crisis" in American society, leaving younger generations yearning acutely for what the Catholic Church has to offer. That is the assessment of Pia de Solenni, a Seattle-based writer with theology degrees from two Vatican-chartered universities, who now serves as a consultant to the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas.
LaSalle ends 4 year-long undefeated streak of Neumann-Goretti, but Saints still team to beat
Maybe it was the parity up top and emergence of some new star players. Perhaps it was the end of an unbelievable winning streak. Whatever the reason, the 2012-13 boys’ basketball regular season in the Catholic League has been particularly enjoyable. Heading into the final weekend, the top four teams – SS. Neumann-Goretti, Roman […]
Archbishop Wood sets new record by hitting 8 of first 8 shots, all 3-pointers
The team feat of the year in boys Catholic League basketball goes to Archbishop Wood. In a 65-53 win at Conwell-Egan on Jan. 28, Archbishop Wood did something that people are still talking about and probably will for quite some time. The Vikings hit their first three-point shot of the game. Then their second. And […]
Lent begins this week, Archbishop to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass at Cathedral
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 13, and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput will be the principal celebrant for the Ash Wednesday Mass at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Catholics in 252 parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will attend Mass or a Liturgy of the Word that […]
US Bishops, Catholic groups, cite concerns over new rules for HHS mandate
UPDATED -- WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In the nearly one week since the Department of Health and Human Services issued a new set of proposed rules on insurance coverage of contraceptives, serious concerns over the new rules began to emerge among the Catholic community in the United States, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and some Catholic organizations.
Now-public clergy files focus attention on Los Angeles Archdiocese’s abuse response
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The release of thousands of pages of personnel files by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles detailing allegations of clergy sexual abuse has focused new attention on the roles of church leaders and their handling of the cases over four decades.
Give real help to youth facing work, education issues, pope urges
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Young people's essential needs, including decent work and an education, demand a serious, effective response from both the church and the wider community, Pope Benedict XVI said. Problems facing young people "cannot be met with responses that are evasive or banal," he said, especially if humanity is going to have a hopeful, generous future.
Appeals court sides with manufacturing company against HHS mandate
ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- An appeals court issued a preliminary injunction Feb. 1 against the federal government's contraceptive mandate, saying a Catholic-owned company, Annex Medical, does not have to comply with that part of the Affordable Care Act while its legal challenge makes its way through the courts.
Punk band rocks the Vatican, explains today’s youth to culture council
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When the head of the Pontifical Council for Culture said he wanted to listen to what today's young people had to say, he wasn't afraid to hear it belted out at 100 decibels. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi invited members of the Italian rock group, The Sun, to speak their minds through music to the cardinals, bishops, lay members and advisers of the council, as well as to a large contingent of foot-stomping, cheering young fans. (Watch a video of The Sun performing their song, "Rain".)