News
Latest figures show cultural vibrancy amid lower Mass attendance
Attendance at Catholic Masses for an average week in the Philadelphia Archdiocese hit a new low of 191,000, according to the 2019 October Count. More than 18,000 were in a language other than English.
Local Nicaraguan Catholics call cathedral attack ‘action of the devil’
A July 31 firebombing in Managua is part of a larger assault against the Catholic faith in Nicaragua, say area expats, but believers there "are willing to die" for Christ.
Citing major decline in revenue, Camden Diocese suspends survivor payments
Due to COVID-19's affect on revenues, the diocese is freezing future decisions or payments to clergy sexual abuse survivors through its compensation program.
Catholic prayer, meditation app Hallow sees spike in popularity
The No. 1 app's founder discovered in meditative prayer "a beautiful combination of this deep sense of peace and love, deeper than mindfulness meditation."
Tumult of 2020 may draw young voters in big numbers
Young people's activism in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed will be seen at the polls this year, says a scholar. The U.S. has the lowest voter turnout of youth in the world.
Congress urged to help Black families choose Catholic schools
As the pandemic has "disproportionately affected" Black communities and the Catholic schools that serve them, Congress must provide immediate financial help to those families, said three U.S. bishops.
Supreme Court declines request to stop border wall construction
In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for construction to continue on portions of the Trump administration's border wall with Mexico, funding for which is opposed by the U.S. bishops.
Pope Benedict is ‘extremely frail,’ German author says
While the 93-year-old retired pontiff is mentally sharp, his voice is barely audible, said Peter Seewald, who has written four books on Benedict.
Conversion has personal, social dimensions, Franciscan leader says
Reconciliation with God means reconciling with one's brothers and sisters and with all of creation, said Franciscan Father Michael Perry. Believers must confront "social and institutional sin" if they are serious about conversion.
Nicaraguan bishops denounce Managua cathedral arson attack as ‘terrorism’
Nicaragua's Catholic leadership vowed not to be intimidated as a government campaign of intolerance targeting the church turns increasingly cruel and involves acts of sacrilege.