Papal visit and families are themes for Girl Scout’s mural

Kate Burke designed a mural for St. Ignatius Parish in Yardley, which was painted with the help of parishioners and children to mark the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis' visit.

Archbishop Chaput comments on absolution for abortion

"Pope Francis' recent remarks on absolution for the sin of abortion demonstrate his commitment to all those in need of healing," said the archbishop in a statement Sept. 1.

The ‘Joy of the Gospel’ and the Gospel of life

In a recent talk, Archbishop Charles Chaput said he hopes Pope Francis will see that American Catholics share his passion for the church's teaching on defense of the unborn child plus care for the poor and immigrants.

New ‘Catholic Values’ stock fund comes in for scrutiny

The new Catholic Values stock fund has come under scrutiny from those who say its values need to adhere more closely to environmental concerns, such as those Pope Francis recently raised in his encyclical, 'Laudato Si.'

Although of many styles, Catholic schools face similar challenges

Pope Francis will visit a Catholic school in Harlem, New York. But he will get only a glimpse of the wide variety of Catholic education available in the U.S.

Across the U.S., parish life is changing

Pope Francis won't have time on his U.S. visit in September to stop at churches representing a cross-section of Catholic parishes. But he might read the American Parish series starting today, which over three years examined several parishes.

Maryland group will walk to Philadelphia for papal Mass

A priest and an editor of the Baltimore Catholic newspaper will lead 20 pilgrims from the archdiocese's basilica in a 104-mile pilgrimage for the Sept. 27 Mass with Pope Francis.

Ancient texts of biblical world on exhibit at Penn Museum

Sumerian clay tablets, a papyrus fragment, illustrated manuscripts and early printed Bibles are on display at Penn, in time for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis' visit.

From Fishtown to Rome: Local priest heads a global order

As a young man, Father David Nicgorski was a Philadelphia union roofer who began going on retreats, which spurred his vocation. Pope Francis named him to lead his religious order, and the priest reflects on his meeting with the pope.

The family and its mission; one month and counting

In four months, it will be Christmas, writes Archbishop Charles Chaput. If the Holy Family could make it to Bethlehem without downtown parking or a SEPTA pass, we can come to Philadelphia to share the gift of the World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis, one month from now.