News
Illinois Senate passage of abortion bill called ‘sad day in history of state’
In a 34-20 vote, the Senate passed the "misnamed 'Reproductive Health Act,'" as the state's Catholic bishops referred to it. The state House OK'd it May 28 in a 64-50 vote. The measure has now headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Irish archbishop wants ‘show funerals’ for gang members to end
In the midst of a bitter gangland feud in the Irish capital, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has moved to ensure that funerals of those killed are not used as overt shows of wealth or perceived influence.
Australian Catholic Church releases standards for child protection
The Australian Catholic Church has released its National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, more than 18 months after they were recommended by the country's landmark Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, in the latest chapter in the overhaul of how the church responds to clergy sexual abuse.
Italian ministry revokes permit for Catholic-inspired institute
U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke is the honorary president of the institute, 11 other cardinals make up the institute's advisory board and Steve Bannon, former chief strategist at the White House, is a patron and member of the board of trustees.
Pope says he’s strengthened, encouraged by talks with Benedict XVI
Pope Francis said that he continues to visit retired Pope Benedict XVI, 92, who is like a grandfather who continues to encourage him and give him strength.
Freedom, mercy are lasting legacy of martyred bishops, pope says
The memory and witness of Romania's martyred bishops are a reminder that Christians are called to stand firm against ideologies that seek to stifle and suppress their cultural and religious traditions, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Romanians, young and old, must hold on to their roots
Pope Francis ended his second day in Romania with a festive meeting with young people and families that encapsulated his message of fostering dialogue between younger and older generations.
Bishop Dewane calls for action to address gun violence after mass shooting
In the wake of a mass shooting that left 12 people dead in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development called for American society to examine why such violent incidents continue to occur.
Abuse audit report released, shows big jump in allegations
UPDATED - While most of the new allegations of sexual abuse in the church nationwide occurred before 1999, 26 involved current minors, which the head of the lay review board called "concerning."
Former priest wanted on abuse charges in Arizona arrested in Italy
Italian police arrested former U.S. Salvatorian Father Joseph J. Henn 13 years after Italy's highest court confirmed his extradition to the United States to face allegations of child sexual abuse in Arizona.