News
Court says Ohio can ban Down syndrome abortions
A federal appeals court, in a 9-7 decision, upheld an Ohio law that prohibits doctors from knowingly participating performing an abortion because of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
California lifts indoor worship rules; bishops say safety still a priority
A day after California lifted its mandatory limits on indoor worship, the bishops of the state's 12 Catholic dioceses called for "responsible and safe" worship, and for people to get vaccinated.
Christians, Muslims must spread hope, says Vatican message for Ramadan
God calls the faithful of both religions to be "witnesses, restorers and builders of hope" both in this life and the next, said the leaders of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan may risk civil war, says priest in Kabul
An Italian Barnabite priest questions whether talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban can succeed as the U.S. prepares to pull out of the country after 20 years.
As pandemic worsens in Brazil, pope tells bishops to be one with people
"Everyone knows what it takes. It is possible to overcome the pandemic," Pope Francis said in a video. "But we can do so only if we are united." Critics say Brazil has refused to adopt "evidence-based public health measures."
Fraternity needed to address global challenges, Vatican official says
Although the COVID pandemic brought awareness of "a world community sailing in the same boat," the race for vaccines revealed a "gap in access to basic care between developed countries and the rest of the world," said the Vatican's secretary of state.
Police fire tear gas into Haitian bishops’ Mass for freedom
The COVID-19 pandemic has not directly impacted Haiti's people but a secondary fallout -- high unemployment -- and mismanagement of the response have further strained local economies and led to growing anarchy, including attacks on clergy and religious.
‘Ministry of belonging’ connects young adults with, without intellectual disabilities
An archdiocesan effort is working to create genuine, person-to-person encounters among the next generation of faithful to "build a more just and compassionate community" for all. Several archdiocesan parishes and schools are doing just that.
Minneapolis archbishop calls for peace after fatal police shooting
After nights of protests in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, following the police shooting of Daunte Wright, Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged prayers for justice and peace. He was "inspired by the pleas for peace from the family of George Floyd" over the Wright shooting.
Catholic Labor Network report finds wage theft in construction industry
Because of the rise of subcontracting and cash payments in electrical and plumbing work in the District of Columbia, workers at many job sites get paid less than the minimum wage, which is $15 an hour.