News
Quebec government limits churches to 50 people, 25 in riskier regions
The drastic reduction in the size of worship gatherings, announced Sept. 20, was met with "incomprehension" by faith leaders who say officials have been unresponsive to calls for dialogue.
Vatican reaffirms, clarifies church teachings on end-of-life care
A letter issued Sept. 22 stressed the dignity of vulnerable patients amid a growing, global trend in legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Volunteers ready themselves for peaceful, pro-life vigil
Advocates gathered last week to focus on communicating abortion alternatives through respectful dialogue and witness, as the 40 Days for Life campaign is set to kick off Sept. 23.
Santa Fe archdiocesan justice office urges no honor for Barr at breakfast
The office called on National Catholic Prayer Breakfast officials to withdraw a planned Sept. 23 award for U.S. Attorney General William Barr, a Catholic who supports the death penalty.
Archbishop calls ‘unrealistic’ limits on public worship ‘willful discrimination’
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said that city's COVID restrictions put Catholics "at the end of the line," as hundreds of faithful demonstrated Sept. 20 to "Free the Mass."
Pope: Coronavirus vaccine must be for all, not just the wealthy
In a Sept. 19 address to the Italian Pharmaceutical Bank, Pope Francis said the COVID-19 pandemic had revealed global economic inequalities and "pharmaceutical poverty."
Two Catholic women judges top short list as possible Supreme Court nominees
Amy Coney Barrett and Barbara Lagoa, both of whom have publicly spoken about the importance of their faith, are among the potential replacements for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Sept. 18.
Cardinal likens fading Christian presence in Middle East to a sinking ship
Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai warned Sept. 18 that conflict, crisis and COVID -- topped by a deadly Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut -- all threaten the church in one of its ancient homelands.
House passage of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act called ‘huge win for women’
The Sept. 17 vote advances a bill that ensures expectant employees have reasonable accommodation, opportunities and protection from on-the-job retaliation.
Global biotech company ends use of aborted fetal cell lines for vaccines
Sanofi Pasteur will now use animals cell lines to produce its polio vaccines, a move applauded by the U.S. bishops as researchers fast-track COVID immunization.