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U.S. bishops say benefits of Pfizer, Moderna vaccines outweigh concerns
"A Catholic can in good conscience receive these COVID-19 vaccines," Maryland's bishops wrote in a letter, echoing what most U.S. bishops and the Vatican have said.
Our Lady of Guadalupe a ‘gift to the church,’ says archbishop
At a Dec. 11 vigil Mass for the beloved Marian feast day, Archbishop Nelson Pérez described Mary as the "perfect model" of discipleship, through whom "God encounters his people."
Poverty, not presents, is at heart of Christmas celebration, pope says
Current restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic can help people put Christ, and not the constant need to purchase gifts, at the center of the Christmas season, Pope Francis said Dec. 20. "Let's not be swept up by consumerism," he said.
Last Hong Kong governor: Pope ‘badly advised’ on China bishops’ pact
Chris Patten, who was governor of Hong Kong until 1997 and oversaw the handover of the British colony to China, strongly criticized China's recent actions and the lack of response by the U.S., Britain and, especially, the Vatican.
Genocide in Nigeria ‘happening before our eyes,’ congressman says at hearing
Some 2,000 people are believed to have been killed annually between 2011 and 2016 in the conflict between mostly Muslim cattle herders and mostly Christian farmers fighting over a dwindling water supply, exacerbated by climate change.
High court for now rejects religious school’s challenge to pandemic limits
The Supreme Court Dec. 17 rejected an appeal from a Kentucky Christian school to be exempt from state orders to stop in-person classes because the pandemic restrictions were expiring in the new year and most of the state's schools were about to close for the holidays.
Sisters, volunteers see no end to need for food amid pandemic
The experience of one New York City food pantry run by the Sisters of St. Joseph is emblematic of others in the U.S.: New faces come to the food lines every week, many are young people out of work and many are coming from all over the area.
Papal Foundation’s COVID-19 grants will aid ‘poorest of the poor’
Dioceses in 16 developing countries will receive funds to buy medicine, food, hygiene kits and health care equipment to support families, orphans, malnourished children, the elderly and chronically ill, thanks to the Philadelphia-based foundation.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable, Vatican says
The Vatican's doctrinal office said that when alternative vaccines are not available, it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines developed or tested using cell lines originating from aborted fetuses, even though there is no "moral endorsement" of such usage.
Permanent Deacon Joseph Sexton, Army vet and accountant, dies at 86
The retired permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was ordained in 1995 and served at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Manayunk until 2009. His funeral is Dec. 22 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.