News
Citing financial problems, Vatican withholds election-year staff bonus
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an austerity move like those being taken by governments around the world, the Vatican will not pay its employees a bonus marking the March 13 election of Pope Francis but will instead make a donation to charity. “In the past, on the occasion of the start of a pontificate, a […]
Jesuit says U.S. war on drugs undermines Honduran democracy
SEATTLE (CNS) -- A priest from Honduras says the United States is repeating the same errors in Central America as it did in the 1980s, and his country is suffering as a result. Jesuit Father Ismael Moreno, who directs Radio Progreso, a feisty activist station on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, recently told several gatherings in Oregon and Washington that U.S. intervention in his country, supposedly focused on drug trafficking, has undermined democracy and fostered corruption.
Rwandan genocide survivor becomes American citizen
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At the end of a process that has taken her 15 years to complete, world-renowned Rwandan genocide survivor and peace advocate Immaculee Ilibagiza became an American citizen the morning of April 17 in New York City.
Texas responds to blast that casts wide destruction in small town
WEST, Texas (CNS) -- Emergency personnel were carefully combing through blocks of wreckage in this town of 2,900 a day after a chemical fertilizer factory caught fire and exploded with the force of a small earthquake April 17, injuring perhaps hundreds and killing others.
Philadelphia priest chaplain earns Bronze Star for ministry in Afghanistan
After Mass at a typical parish, it’s fellowship over coffee and donuts. But for troops stationed in Afghanistan, after Mass it’s cigars smoked down to the nub. Father Stephen McDermott, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and a U.S. Army chaplain who recently was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Afghanistan, just completed a year-long tour of duty in the country. “I never realized the power of a cigar when it comes to ministry,” he said.
Boston interfaith service stresses city’s grace and strength in tragedy
BOSTON (CNS) -- In an April 18 interfaith prayer service, religious and political leaders emphasized the enduring strength of the people of Boston and urged them to find consolation and healing in their continued support of one another. Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley welcomed the congregation that packed the cathedral and told them the service was offered in solidarity with those who lost their lives or were injured in the bombings at the Boston Marathon April 15.
Catholic doctor running in Boston cared for bomb victims, relied on spiritual strength
BOSTON (CNS) — Though events at the 2013 Boston Marathon included mayhem and the need for swift action, the father of a heroic runner slowed down to reflect in prayer at a Catholic shrine the next day. After experiencing firsthand the events as two bombs exploded April 15 at the finish line, Dr. Joseph Stavas, […]
Pope calls for prayers for victims of Texas factory explosion
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called for prayers for the victims of a deadly explosion in Texas. In a short message sent from his @Pontifex Twitter account, the pope told the more than 2.3 million followers on his English account to “Please join me in praying for the victims of the explosion in Texas […]
Advocates study immigration reform bill introduced in Senate
Among other provisions, the bill introduced April 17 incorporates the popular DREAM Act, without an upper age limit; would offer a 13-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2012; would expand the pool of visas for skilled and unskilled workers; dramatically changes the process for adult children or siblings of legal residents to immigrate; and would create a new set of "triggers" for determining that the border is "secure" before parts of the law may be implemented.
Drop debate over arming Syria; forge efforts for peace, says patriarch
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Unless western nations immediately find ways to bring peace to Syria instead of debating whether to arm opposition forces, the country will continue to be in turmoil and a victim of the West’s indecision, said a Syrian patriarch. “It’s truly a pity, a great pity to not think in terms other […]