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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.
Local students win national Christmas artwork contest
Andrea Verch of the Regina Coeli Academy and Toni Frank of St. James Regional School took top honors in a competition sponsored by the Missionary Child Association, whose local office also gathered children for a World Mission Rosary.
Administrator of Greensburg, Pa., named to head the diocese
Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Larry J. Kulick, diocesan administrator, to head the diocese as bishop. He has led the diocese since Bishop Edward Malesic was installed Sept. 14 to head the Diocese of Cleveland.
HHS acts on violations of conscience protection in California, Vermont
The U.S. bishops commended the Department of Health and Human Services for taking "corrective action" against a Vermont medical center and the state of California regarding abortion.
Delco parish delivers early Christmas to care center
St. John Chrysostom in Wallingford gifted residents and staff of the archdiocesan Divine Providence Village with pajamas, handmade scarves and cards, as part of a wide-ranging holiday outreach.
Death penalty hits historic low ‘despite federal execution spree’
Seventeen people were executed in 2020, down from 22 in 2019. This year, more prisoners died of COVID-19 than were executed. Federal executions resumed in July after a 17-year hiatus.
Pope again calls to divert funds from weapons to fighting hunger
In his message for World Peace Day, Jan. 1, Pope Francis appealed for a worldwide commitment to initiating a "culture of care" for one another and for the environment.
Nuclear deterrence gives ‘false sense of security,’ Vatican official says
The goal of a nuclear-free world can only be achieved through unity and solidarity among nations that breaks the dynamic of mistrust, said Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister.
Miami archbishop gets COVID-19 vaccine to show it’s safe, ethical
Although he's not a big fan of needles, Archbishop Thomas Wenski winced as he received a COVID-19 vaccination to show it is a public good and morally acceptable for Catholics.