Australian archbishops to ask Vatican for clarity on confession issues
Among those concerns were whether the seal of confession includes only the sins confessed, not other information revealed in confession, and under what circumstances -- specifically concerning an abuser -- a priest could withhold absolution.
Archbishop Chaput lauds repeal of rules for transgender students
Those in "difficult situations" should be able to express them "without infringing on legitimate concerns about privacy and security on the part of all young students and parents,” two bishops said Feb. 24.
South Sudan bishops condemn atrocities, appeal for help to prevent famine
In a Feb. 23 appeal for humanitarian assistance, the bishops said farmers have fled lands without planting crops as civilians are targeted by both sides in the country's increasingly bloody three-year civil war.
U.S. senators discuss trafficking, immigration with Vatican officials
Sen. Bob Corker told reporters Feb. 24 that while modern slavery was the focus of his visit, with so much international attention on President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration, "certainly it came up.
Vatican, al-Azhar ask world to help stop religious extremism, terrorism
The Vatican and al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam's leading institution of higher learning, called for the world's governments, organizations and leaders to cooperate with each other in countering extremist and violent groups.
Australian archbishops: Leadership on abuse was ‘catastrophic failure’
Five Australian archbishops testified before a government commission on child sexual abuse, reiterating apologies and taking responsibility for actions that occurred before they were church leaders.
Advocates return home knowing they have new partners in justice work
Janny Castillo said she was pleased to learn about the breadth of faith-based advocacy for people in need and would return to Oakland with a notebook full of ideas from the connections she made among the more than 600 people on hand.
Vatican invites experts to promote safe, accessible water for everyone
A special gathering of policy experts, government officials, religious leaders, scholars, and development and social justice advocates was looking at ways to guarantee water that is safe and more accessible to the world's people.
Vatican offers support to local farmers in Italian earthquake zone
In an effort to support the economy of Italian regions devastated by several recent earthquakes, the Vatican has purchased food from local farmers and producers to feed the homeless.
Taking care of world God created a moral, spiritual duty, archbishop says
With a proclamation of the story of the creation of the universe from the Book of Genesis and a blessing with water, the Mid-Atlantic Congress opened with a splash Feb. 16 in Baltimore with the theme "Blessed as Living Witnesses."