News
Rwandan Catholic Church to build cathedral at former prison
A swap of land with the government means the old, small cathedral in the capital, Kigali, will be replaced with a larger church. It is seen as a sign of improving relations between church and state.
Parties working to get U.S., Russia to discuss nuclear arms reduction
The Vatican is promoting efforts to bring U.S. and Russian negotiators to the table as the New Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, or New START, is set to expire next year, said an official Jan. 30 in Washington.
Arizona marchers calling for end to abortion, show support for moms
Pro-life advocates staged some 60 demonstrations in January throughout the southwestern state, with speaker Abby Johnson calling for a "transformational" movement during a Jan. 18 rally in Phoenix.
Knights of Columbus unveils initiation ceremony that will be public
After 142 years, family, friends and fellow parishioners will have a chance to witness how the fraternal organization receives new members, in an effort to highlight the order's core principles and help Catholic men become disciples.
Church must recognize the gifts of older Catholics, pope says
In a Jan. 31 address to a Vatican conference on pastoral care for the elderly, 83-year-old Pope Francis said that the Lord "wants to write new pages of holiness, service and prayer" with seniors.
French cardinal to offer resignation, despite abuse acquittal
Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, whose jail sentence for failing to report abuse was overturned Jan. 30, said the decision is a chance for him to "turn a page, and for the church of Lyon to open a new chapter."
Pope meets president of Argentina; no news of papal trip home
A Jan. 31 meeting with Alberto Fernandez sparked talk of a return to Pope Francis' homeland, which he has not seen since his 2013 election. The two leaders discussed the South American nation's struggles with finances, poverty, corruption and drugs.
A tale of decline? Not so at St. Charles Seminary
The seminary’s rising enrollment over the past 15 tumultuous years bucks other downward trends in the archdiocese. Officials credit the seminary's solid formation program and the 2015 visit of Pope Francis.
Pastor apologizes for words ‘hurtful to Muslims’ in homily
A Minnesota priest has apologized for remarks he made about Muslim immigration and Islam being "the greatest threat in the world." His archbishop reiterated Catholic teaching of esteem for Muslims.
Sister Mary O’Connor, longtime grade school teacher, dies
The I.H.M. sister attended Most Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from West Catholic High School before entering religious life, in which she taught and mentored for 57 years.