News
Cardinal implores saint’s intercession to overcome Lebanon’s crisis
Cardinal Bechara Rai, the Maronite patriarch, pleaded for the intercession of Lebanon's beloved St. Charbel Makhlouf as the beleaguered country spirals deeper into collapse, further roiled by the resignation of the prime minister-designate.
Catholic Anti-Slavery Network in Australia becomes model for business
A document including statements from 33 Catholic entities such as hospitals and schools, which outline measures they are taking to become slavery-free in areas such as procurement and employment, will help organizations to comply with Australia's Modern Slavery Act.
Pope expresses closeness with Cuban people as unrest continues
A week after protests erupted on the island nation, Pope Francis told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square July 18 that he was "near to the dear Cuban people in these difficult moments." He prayed for a society that is "more just and fraternal through peace, dialogue and solidarity."
Spending bills without Hyde seen as move to expand abortion on demand
The congressional House Appropriations Committee voted July 15 to exclude the Hyde Amendment, which has barred federal funding for abortion since 1976, from the 2022 federal budget. A petition seeks to reinsert the provision before the full House votes on the spending measures.
U.S. using list of ‘shame’ to root out Central American corruption
The U.S. State Department released a roster of "corrupt and undemocratic actors" from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, part of the Biden administration's effort to stem corruption that leads residents to emigrate from the region.
Eyewitness stories of religious repression mark summit
From Christians in Nigeria to Muslims in Myanmar, the first-person accounts of brutality and discrimination against religious communities punctuated the July 13-15 International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington.
Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia sponsors ‘Freedom for the Pre-Born’
The July 17 event will begin with Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, followed by a procession to a downtown abortion clinic, prayer vigil and rally.
Experts fear Cuba is preparing a harsh response to recent protests
Observers have seen a purported plan by the Cuban government to deploy state police and military personnel using whatever means necessary to squash further protests following July 11's massive turnout.
Priests join emergency response to catastrophic flooding in Germany
Aid efforts were running in high gear after torrential rains in Germany toppled buildings, washed away vehicles and left at least 100 people dead. Tens of thousands are without electricity.
Quiet, hard-working Ivan Hicks remembered by West Catholic teammates
The school community is mourning the sudden passing of the junior student and football player who died July 13, hours after collapsing before a scrimmage at Coatesville High School.