News
Catholic groups denounce child’s death near U.S. border on Christmas Eve
Immigration officials announced new health checks for immigrant children under detention after a second child, an 8-year-old boy, died Christmas Eve while under the agency's care.
CRS working in Indonesia to assess needs of tsunami survivors
Those in the evacuation centers are sleeping alongside families who still have homes, but who fear another possible tsunami while the Anak Krakatau volcano is still active.
Vatican opens medical clinic for the homeless
Just before Christmas the Vatican announced it had opened a new medical clinic for the homeless and the poor, expanding services previously offered in a small space just outside St. Peter's Square.
Supreme Court turns down Trump administration request on asylum rules
The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote Dec. 21 rejected the Trump administration's request that the court let it implement a rule that those who enter the United States without documents will not be eligible for asylum.
Bishop says First Step Act brings needed criminal justice reform
The nation's criminal justice system "is in need of reform" and the First Step Act "is a worthy 'first step' in the right direction," said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
Priest apologizes for funeral homily that focused on suicide
Father Don LaCuesta criticized for emphasizing suicide in his homily during a recent funeral for an 18-year-old who took his own life has since apologized.
Irish president signs abortion law
In a May referendum, voters opted by a margin of 2-1 to lift the country's constitutional protection of the right to life of unborn children. The new law will permit abortion on demand up to 12 weeks' gestation.
In Christmas message, pope prays for peace, brotherhood
Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace.
Pope at Christmas: Come to the manger with love, charity, simplicity
Jesus' birth in a stable, God's coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.
Being holy is what brings joy, pope tells Vatican employees
One sign of holiness is being able to "be astonished, to feel wonder before God's gifts, his 'surprises.' And the greatest gift, the ever-new surprise is Jesus," he told Vatican employees and their family members.