News
Controversial priest says bishop asked him to resign, but he won’t
Father James Altman of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who has said Catholics cannot be members of the Democratic Party, told Massgoers that Bishop William Callahan has asked him to resign because he is "divisive" and "ineffective."
A year after George Floyd’s death, Gospel message more vital than ever, say pastoral leaders
Healing racism is a task for "people who not only love justice but work towards it" by following Christ, according to clergy and faithful.
Pro-life bills on fetal heartbeat, Down syndrome advance in Pa. House
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is seeking support for three bills in the state House of Representatives, including a ban on abortions when an unborn baby's heartbeat or Down syndrome has been detected.
Staff ‘hungry to do more’ after months of food giveaways
Since October, archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services has distributed close to 250,000 million pounds of groceries to counter COVID-related food insecurity -- and the agency isn't looking to stop there.
Thieves break into castle, steal rosary used by Mary, Queen of Scots
A set of golden rosary beads belonging to the 16th century British royal, and valued at $1.4 million, were stolen from a castle. They have "immeasurably greater and priceless historical importance," said an official.
Congress mulls boycott of Olympics over China’s human rights record
A congressional panel weighed finding an alternate city or boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, objecting to China's long-standing human rights abuses. Two administrations have termed its treatment of Muslims genocide.
Texas governor signs ‘heartbeat’ abortion law
The measure bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, as early as six weeks of pregnancy. One of the nation's strictest abortion laws has no exception for rape or incest.
Germany seeks church reform, worrying some Catholics
Catholics around the world have their eyes on Germany as it pursues its "Synodal Path," which is debating the issues of power, sexual morality, priestly life and the role of women in the church.
Madagascar drought leads to starvation; pandemic complicates aid
The utter silence of a room filled with young children "overwhelmed me," said a U.N. director in the island nation off the coast of Africa. More than 1 million residents are starving, eating a mix of cactus leaves and clay.
Pope asks all Catholics to commit to saving creation
Seeking a new approach "that can transform our way of dwelling in the world," Pope Francis asked everyone to join a new global grassroots movement to create a more peaceful and sustainable world.