News

Indian bishop, guard hospitalized after parishioners attack them

A Catholic bishop was hospitalized after a group of parishioners attacked him, a security guard and a priest in a five-decade-old land dispute in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Old guard looks to new generation of voices on nuclear disarmament

An emerging generation of experts is speaking out on nuclear nonproliferation in a time when nuclear weapons are making headlines again. They hope to "abolish these weapons that are a contradiction in life."

N.J. bishops’ statement highlights efforts to ensure safe environment

A statement signed by New Jersey bishops details ongoing efforts to ensure safe environments for children and youth, deal with clergy charged with abuse and assist victims in their process of healing.

For Lent, Irish Catholics urged to abandon ‘weapons of mass distraction’

Massgoers in Ireland are being urged to switch off their mobile phones during Lent.

Cardinal Pell’s victim questions six-year jail sentence, fears appeal

A man Cardinal Pell was convicted of sexually assaulting said he is finding it hard to "take comfort" in the cardinal's six-year jail sentence because a request to appeal the conviction is due to be heard June 5.

Judge sentences Cardinal Pell to six years in prison on abuse charges

Cardinal Pell, who continues to maintain his innocence, will try to appeal the verdict. The court has set June 5-6 as the dates to consider the basis for the appeal.

U.S. cardinal welcomes opening of Vatican documents on Pope Pius XII

New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, co-chair of the U.S. bishops' dialogue with the National Council of Synagogues, said March 12 he welcomed Pope Francis' recent announcement on opening of the Vatican Archives from the wartime pontificate.

Utah teacher apologizes for telling boy to wash off cross of ashes

On Ash Wednesday a fourth-grade student at a school in Bountiful, Utah, was told by his teacher to remove the ash cross he had received at church that morning. "I had no idea it was a religious symbol," the teacher said.

Music, faith intertwined for retired violinist now in ministry as deacon

Violinist David Bartolowits played with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for 35 years then became the director of catechesis at St. John the Evangelist Parish in 2017 and was ordained a deacon for the Indianapolis Archdiocese that same year.

CRS, humanitarian agencies urge Congress to protect international aid

A senior Catholic Relief Services official called for at least $60 billion in foreign humanitarian and development aid in fiscal year 2020 spending during testimony March 12 to the House Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.