News
Paris archbishop celebrates first Mass in Notre Dame since fire
Archbishop Michel Aupetit and a small group of clergy, cathedral employees and building contractors wore hard hats during a Mass June 15 because of dangers of falling masonry.
Bishop to remain with Hong Kong protesters ‘no matter how long they stay’
Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing took part in a continuous ecumenical prayer meeting outside the Legislative Council building with thousands of Christians overnight after the latest rally that drew some 2 million people.
California dioceses ask Catholics to urge lawmakers reject confession bill
S.B. 360 -- which passed in the California Senate May 23 in a 30-2 vote -- would force priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they learn when they are hearing another priest's confession or when hearing the confession of a co-worker.
Judge: Missouri’s only abortion clinic can stay open at least until June 21
If it closes, Missouri would be the first state without an operating abortion facility since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on Roe v. Wade in 1973. Women who want an abortion would have to go to the neighboring state of Illinois.
Southern Baptist Convention wrestling with sex abuse crisis of its own
The Southern Baptist Convention has been rocked by recent media reports that revealed pastors, church employees and volunteers sexually abused more than 700 people, mostly children, over the last two decades.
Bishops’ actions at spring meeting called a ‘work in progress’
In 2002 the spring bishops' meeting in Dallas was almost entirely devoted to the sex abuse crisis. Where that meeting focused on misconduct by priests, this year's meeting looked at responding to the misconduct of some bishops and the failure of some bishops to properly address abuse.
Coadjutor says church’s highest priority to help ‘people encounter Christ’
As the Catholic Church continues to grapple with the clergy abuse crisis and the failures of leadership, its members must face the issue but also move beyond anger, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne said.
Salvadoran authorities arrest sacristan as suspect in priest killing
Abraham Heriberto Mestizo made an initial court appearance June 14 after being formally accused by officials in Sonsonate of being involved in the killing of 35-year-old Father Cecilio Perez Cruz, found fatally shot May 18 at home.
Mexican Catholic leaders decry insecurity, plead for peace after murders
The Mexican bishops' conference issued a plea for peace after a pair of kidnappings and killings in the national capital provoked outrage and worsened perceptions of insecurity.
Bishops affirm diocese’s effort for Michigan man’s sainthood cause
Irving "Francis" C. Houle was said to receive the stigmata 16 years before he died in 2009, but well before that "many extraordinary physical and spiritual healings" were attributed to him.