News
Defend life, promote access to health care for all, pope says
Meeting members of the Pontifical Academy for Life Sept. 27, Pope Francis said COVID should make those who are well-off think about "what it means to be vulnerable and live in precariousness on a daily basis."
House OKs abortion bill called ‘far outside the American mainstream’
In a 218-211 vote Sept. 24, the U.S. House passed the Women's Health Protection Act, described by one legislator as "an existential threat to unborn children and to the value of life itself."
St. Mary’s School to host country fair in Old City, Philadelphia
The independent Catholic school will hold its 15th annual Harvest Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 16 on Locust Street in the city featuring fun games, raffle prizes, food and special awards, all to benefit the science and technology needs.
Father Judge’s spring football tune-up pays off with early fall wins
The Crusaders played in an unprecedented six-game spring schedule last March and April, winning four. This season a strong ground game has resulted in the most wins in years, even before October.
Pro-life movement ‘very energized’ as abortion battle accelerates, say advocates
Despite calls to make abortion a constitutional right, local experts are optimistic about efforts to protect the unborn, with younger generations increasingly active in defending life.
Synodal process looks to hear from voices on the margins of the church
In a process launching Oct. 17 in parishes and dioceses worldwide, Pope Francis is calling the church to practice synodality, that is listening to -- and hearing -- one another in all facets of church life over. The two-year process is aimed at "incorporating the fruits of Vatican II."
German Catholic lay groups voice frustration with slow pace of reforms
On the last day of the German bishops' annual meeting, lay Catholics demonstrated and marched to demand "tangible concrete change" and credibility in the Catholic Church after they claim bishops have asked them for years to be patient.
Discontent grows among Biden’s allies over migrant treatment
For months, the Biden administration has been publicly hammering an unwelcoming message to those trying to enter the U.S. illegally: "The border is closed." Instead of the hope immigration reform advocates once expressed, many now voice disappointment.
German cardinal contributed to ‘crisis of trust’ on abuse, will take leave
Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne will take a "spiritual sabbatical" after a Vatican investigation found his handling of clerical sex abuse allegations was not illegal, but he made major mistakes, along with other German bishops accused of covering up abuse.
Texas abortion providers ask court to speed up abortion law review
The group of providers asked the Supreme Court essentially to fast-track a decision, using a rare legal procedure, without waiting for the federal appeals court to rule in December on Texas' ban of most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.