News
Zairean rite may show way to Amazonian rite, pope says
The rite incorporates Congolese culture and reflects the needs of Catholics in the sub-Saharan African nation, suggesting "a promising way also for the eventual elaboration" of a new rite that would reflect the cultural needs of a specific area without distorting the ancient tradition of the church.
‘The violence is not stopping,’ warn bishops in Belarus
Catholic bishops warned of a "deepening crisis" in Belarus as people continue to protest disputed elections in August and security forces use tear gas and stun grenades. They arrested some 300 protesters including two Catholic priests Nov. 29.
Beatified teen inspires song from Long Island Catholic high school
Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teen beatified in October, is not only responsible for a medical miracle, he also has inspired a song by New York Catholic high school students featuring his own quotations.
Catholic leaders decry additional federal execution measures
A move by the Department of Justice to expand how it carries out federal death sentences -- to include electrocution, gas or firing squads along with lethal injections --was sharply criticized by Catholic anti-death penalty activists.
Report says Montreal Archdiocese covered for abusive priest for decades
For nearly 40 years, warnings about a convicted former priest pedophile were ignored or deemed irrelevant because the numerous complaints mostly concerned adults and not minors, wrote a Canadian judge on the archdiocese's "culture of secrecy."
Priest with Philly roots marks 100th birthday in Virginia
Father John Van de Paer, who served Black Catholics for 43 years as pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in South Philadelphia, welcomed a line of cars with young and old wishing him happy birthday, including some from Philadelphia.
Pope appoints Washington auxiliary bishop to head Buffalo Diocese
Bishop Michael Fisher, 62, is the Washington Archdiocese's vicar for clergy. He will be installed Jan. 15 as head of the Buffalo Diocese, which has been rocked by the clergy sexual abuse scandal and forced into bankruptcy this year.
Priest communicator for Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia dies
Father John Fields, communication director for the archeparchy, died at his home Nov. 28. He was 70. A lawyer by trade then a priest and pastor, he was participating in a COVID vaccine trial at the time of his death.
New cardinal source of pride, hope, say local Black Catholics
The elevation of Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the first African American member of the College of the Cardinals, is "a moment to celebrate" that promises a bright future for the church.
Philadelphia Catholics join #iGiveCatholic effort Dec. 1
The nationwide Catholic stewardship initiative encourages Catholics to support local parishes, schools and organizations on #GivingTuesday -- learn how you can get involved.