News
Catholic leaders denounce rejection of federal death penalty appeal
Sister Helen Prejean and others decried the likely execution this summer of four men "using an untested lethal injection protocol during a global pandemic."
Msgr. Ratzinger, retired pope’s brother, dies at 96
Retired Pope Benedict XVI had visited his ailing elder brother Georg, a musician, June 18 in Germany where he had been hospitalized.
Pro-life advocates say ruling puts clinic profits over women’s health
Pro-lifers said the U.S. Supreme Court's June 29 ruling striking down a Louisiana abortion law puts women's health in danger, allows subpar care and gives abortion clinics a pass on regulations for "the sake of profit."
Court says tax credit program can’t exclude religious schools
The Supreme Court said June 30 that Montana's state scholarship program violated the federal Constitution by excluding religious schools. The court ruled that if a state offers financial aid to private schools, it must allow religious schools also to take part.
Amid pandemic, upheaval, world’s poor seen needing help more than ever
A "perfect storm" of circumstances has posed a challenge to raising awareness and funds to help the poor, said Eustace W. Mita, the Philadelphian and first lay leader of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation.
Food relief drive for local families needs a ton of help
With hunger and unemployment made worse by COVID, Nutritional Development Services is 2,000 pounds short of its goal for nonperishable items. It's not too late to donate.
Federal judge blocks N.Y. limits on religious gatherings
A federal judge June 26 blocked enforcement of New York restrictions on outdoor and indoor religious gatherings that are stricter than those for ongoing protests over racial injustice.
Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana abortion law
In a 5-4 decision June 29, the Supreme Court ruled that the requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals could not stand.
Connelly Foundation steps in to COVID response with grants
Every organization has been affected by the pandemic, and the local nonprofit is helping numerous groups continue operating with $3 million in grants since March 26.
Catholic education, also at risk from COVID, getting help
Faith in the Future Foundation, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Foundation for Catholic Education and BLOCS will aid struggling school families through the Tuition Assistance Campaign.