News

Italian priests, religious women are among victims of COVID-19

Elderly religious were among the nearly 2,000 people who have died in Italy because of illness connected with the coronavirus. In one diocese, six priests died in the past week.

Reporting system to record abuse complaints against bishops begins

A reporting system that utilizes a website and a toll-free telephone number through which individuals can file allegations of sexual misconduct against U.S. bishops became operational March 16.

Archdiocese balancing containment, compassion during coronavirus

Thousands depend on Catholic Social Services each day for food, housing and other vital supports. Agency workers are keeping the mission going amid scenarios "that change by the hour."

Archdiocese closes schools, PREP to prevent coronavirus

Students and teachers will move to online learning through March 27, as task force members meet "daily, if not hourly" to respond to the pandemic.

It’s quiet time for New Rochelle, N.Y., parish at containment area

The parish in the one-mile area with the highest concentration of COVID-19 cases in the country is still open for Masses with no music and little preaching. Attendance was down 60% last week.

Public won’t be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies

Although Italy will ban public gatherings including Mass until April 3, the Vatican said liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday on April 5 "will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."

Archbishop Perez to offer livestreamed Mass for those affected by coronavirus

The March 15 liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will be the first of regular Sunday Masses to be broadcast online, as faithful heed directives to avoid crowds.

Churches cancel Masses in effort to stem pandemic

UPDATED -- In an effort to stem the coronavirus, bishops' conferences and dioceses in the U.S. and around the world began suspending public Masses. More than 153,000 cases worldwide have led to some 5,700 deaths.

Catholic leaders call for prayers, policies for coronavirus response

A key U.S. bishop on domestic issues and a religious sister encouraged federal lawmakers to consider "with urgency a number of policies that could provide aid and relief" for those affected by COVID-19.

Deacon-physician says everyone can help limit spread of virus

Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan, a physician specializing in infectious diseases, offers advice in a Q & A interview on how to minimize transmission of the coronavirus.