News

Gold Mass helps spread message that faith and science are compatible

Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Society of Catholic Scientists, the Nov. 15 liturgy drew Catholics working in science, engineering, technology and math.

Bishop Conlon takes medical leave from Diocese of Joliet, Ill.

Retired Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, will serve as apostolic administrator of the diocese during Bishop Conlon's absence, which was announced on Dec. 27.

Indian cardinal says religion should never be basis for citizenship

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai joined Catholic and Christian leaders in denouncing a controversial citizenship law that has sparked violent protests throughout India.

Chilean church leaders seek ‘manger of solidarity’ after Christmas fires

Some 1,000 residents lost their homes in fires that swept through hillside neighborhoods around the southern port city of Valparaiso on Dec. 24 and 25.

Pope begins restoring normal governance to Chilean dioceses

In the wake of a massive clerical sexual abuse and cover-up scandal, Pope Francis named archbishops for the archdioceses of Santiago and Puerto Montt on Dec. 27.

Washington Post publishes Vatican report on West Virginia investigation

The 60-page document, uploaded Dec. 23 on the newspaper's website, describes previously issued accounts of alleged abuse and financial misconduct by retired Bishop Michael J. Bransfield.

Mideast Catholic patriarchs pray for those suffering, appeal for dialogue

Church leaders said that violence, poverty and protests in Iraq and Lebanon, as well as the brutal war in Syria, show "how much our world needs Christmas in this climate of hatred and violence."

Pope, at Angelus, prays for Philippine victims of typhoon

During his Dec. 26 address, Pope Francis said he shared the suffering of those affected by the storm, which claimed at least 20 lives and forced thousands to evacuate.

Pope prays Christmas softens hardened hearts to bring peace, justice

In his Christmas blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world), Pope Francis called for compassion and cooperation in aiding those affected by "economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts."

Christmas says, ‘You are loved,’ pope says in homily

The birth of Jesus reveals a divine love "changes lives" even when people have made "a complete mess of things," said Pope Francis at the Dec. 24 Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.