News

Pope invites Ukrainian Catholic Church leaders to Vatican

The pope's desire for the meeting, set for July 5-6, is "a sign of his closeness to the Ukrainian Catholic Church" in Ukraine and other parts of the world, the Vatican press office said in a communique May 4.

Pope names relator general, special secretaries for Amazon synod

The relator is responsible for providing a comprehensive outline of the synod's theme at the beginning of the meeting and for summarizing the speeches of synod members before work begins on concrete proposals for the pope.

Mexico celebrates beatification of first laywoman

The beatification Mass of Blessed Maria Concepcion Cabrera was celebrated May 4 by Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, at the famed basilica.

Barracks life teaches diversity is not a threat, pope tells Swiss Guard

Life in a military barracks -- with so many different people living in such close proximity -- teaches much needed social, spiritual and ethical values, Pope Francis told new recruits to the Swiss Guard.

Early evacuation in India spares more than 1 million from deadly cyclone

A powerful cyclone ripped through eastern India and sideswiped Bangladesh, leaving a trail of destruction and more than 30 deaths. Authorities said the evacuation of 1.2 million people from more than 10,000 villages prior to Cyclone Fani's landfall prevented a larger death toll.

Father Francis Gallagher dies, was former pastor in Croydon

Ordained in 1964 by Archbishop John Krol, Father Gallagher served mostly as a parochial vicar at several archdiocesan parishes before he was named pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Croydon.

Catholic officials pleased with new conscience protection rule

President Trump's announcement May 2 protecting health care workers who object to abortion procedures on religious grounds was welcome news to U.S. Catholic leaders.

California attorney general opens review of church files on abuse

How the state's 12 Catholic dioceses have addressed allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, lay church employees and volunteers since 1996 is the subject of a new probe by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Bread for the World leader prepares his exit after 27 years at the helm

The Rev. David Beckmann is preparing to step aside as president of the Christian citizens anti-hunger lobby Bread for the World after 27 years. In fact, by the time a successor is chosen, it will be 28.

Pontifical Mission Society leaders take justice message to Capitol Hill

Leaders from the Pontifical Mission Societies spent a day of their national meeting bending the ear of members of Congress, urging action on climate change, the protection of immigrants and religious freedom.