News
Synod is a time to listen, discern, not despise, pope says
The pope said he was saddened to hear a "sarcastic" remark from a synod participant about an indigenous man wearing a feathered headdress who presented the offertory gifts at the synod's opening Mass Oct. 6.
Fear, status quo smother fire of God’s love, pope says at synod Mass
Celebrating the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon Oct. 6, the pope said, "Jesus did not come to bring a gentle evening breeze, but to light a fire on the earth."
Pope to cardinals: Loving, loyal service requires feeling God’s love
In a ceremony to create 13 new cardinals, Pope Francis reminded new and old members of the College of Cardinals how much their ministry and service depends on their realizing how much God loves them and has been compassionate with them.
Fetal remains found in rural Illinois have been returned home to Indiana
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said Oct. 3 he has overseen the return of the remains of 2,246 aborted fetuses back home to Indiana after they were discovered in September at the Illinois home of the late Dr. Ulrich "George" Klopfer.
Indiana bishops want decision to resume federal death penalty rescinded
In an Oct. 4 statement, the Catholic bishops of Indiana said the federal government's decision this past summer to end a 16-year moratorium on executing federal inmates is "regrettable, unnecessary and morally unjustified."
Supreme Court agrees to take up Louisiana abortion case this term
It is the first abortion case the court is taking up since Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch joined the bench and also without the swing vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired in 2018.
English bishop: Court considered parents in ruling on brain-damaged child
Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster welcomed a court ruling allowing a brain-damaged girl to be treated in Italy against the wishes of U.K. doctors.
Proclaim God’s word, avoid boring speeches, pope tells new bishops
Ordaining four new bishops, Pope Francis reminded them that a bishop is first and foremost an apostle, not an administrator who doles out dull discourses.
Court urged to hear Louisiana, Indiana abortion cases and overturn Roe
UPDATED - A group of national pro-life leaders gathered outside the Supreme Court Oct. 2 to release a petition with 250,000 signatures calling for the overturn of the 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions, which legalized abortion virtually on demand nationwide.
Pope accepts New Zealand bishop’s resignation after investigation
Bishop Charles Drennan, who had worked at the Vatican on Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, tendered his resignation following an investigation into a complaint made by a young woman of unacceptable sexual behavior of a sexual nature.