News
Bishops asked to meet abuse survivors before February meeting
At stake at the planned major Vatican summit on the clerical sex abuse crisis is healing for victim survivors and "the very credibility of the church to carry on the mission of Christ" in the world, Pope Francis wrote.
Scapegoating migrants in political speeches is unacceptable, pope says
In today's climate of mistrust, rejection and nationalism, the world urgently needs peacemakers and politicians who protect and lovingly serve others, Pope Francis said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1.
Ukrainian Catholic leader welcomes head of new independent Orthodox church
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church told the new leader of three previously divided Ukrainian Orthodox denominations that they "will travel together in history, toward unity and truth."
Diocese of Erie to launch Survivors’ Reparation Fund in February
Survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, lay employees or lay volunteers in the Diocese of Erie may file financial claims with a new compensation fund run by Kenneth Feinberg, who is leading similar funds in Pa.
After 25 years, Alaska priest still loves his Russian Far East mission
Father Michael Shields loves his ministry in the Russian Far East city of 100,000. Magadan and Anchorage are sister cities. The mission came into being in 1989 as the former Soviet Union was in its "glasnost" and "perestroika" era under Mikhail Gorbachev.
Vatican names two reconciled bishops to head Chinese dioceses
As part of its ongoing efforts to reconcile China's Catholic communities, the Vatican recognized two previously excommunicated Chinese bishops as heads of dioceses.
Catholic groups raise concerns that climate rulebook not ambitious enough
UPDATED - The final document that emerged from the 24th U.N. Conference of Parties, or COP24, in Katowice, Poland, outlines a careful balance among the needs and concerns of the most developed nations, emerging nations and poor countries whose inhabitants already are experiencing the effects of climate change.
Iraqi priest rebuilds church in war-torn Mosul, hopes faithful follow
Christians are cautiously returning to Mosul, the once-bustling Iraqi city that for three years was the capital of the caliphate established by the Islamic State group.
Death penalty is fruit of laws lacking humanity, mercy, pope says
The death penalty is an inhumane form of punishment that ignores the primacy of mercy in the name of justice, Pope Francis said.
True Christmas celebrates Jesus, who is tender, humble, pope says
With Christmas just over a week away, visitors came to St. Peter's Square with their Baby Jesus figurines for a traditional blessing by the pope.