Arthur E. P. “Ed” Wall, a veteran journalist who spent many years in the secular press and the Catholic press, died Jan. 18 in Orland Park. He was 94.
International News
Pope Decries ‘Barbaric Resurgence’ of Anti-Semitism
Pope Francis condemned the “barbaric resurgence” of anti-Semitism and criticized the selfish indifference that is creating the conditions for division, populism and hatred.
Pope Urges Bishops to Teach Discernment, Including on Political Issues
Sometimes the political choices people face can seem like a choice between supporting a “snake” or supporting a “dragon,” but Pope Francis told a group of U.S. bishops their job is to step back from partisan politics and help their faithful discern based on values, said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston.
Pope’s Point Man on Migrants – Made a Cardinal in October – Takes Over Titular Parish
Canadian Jesuit Michael Czerny, made a cardinal by Pope Francis last October, became the titular pastor of a parish in the outskirts of Rome on Sunday.
Pope Blesses Rosaries for Military Prisoners Held for ‘Dirty War’ Crimes
Pope Francis sent home 50 rosary beads for military men and women in his native country Argentina who are imprisoned as they await trial for alleged crimes committed during the country’s “dirty war,” the anti-communist campaign by the country’s military junta that left thousands of disappeared from 1976 to 1983.
Pryce, Hopkins Both Get Oscar Nominations for ‘The Two Popes’
Hollywood actors Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins received Oscar nominations on Monday for their portrayals of Popes Francis and Benedict XVI, respectively, in the new film “The Two Popes.”
Update: Retired Pope Wants His Name Removed as Co-Author of Book on Celibacy
At the request of retired Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, his name will be removed as co-author of a book defending priestly celibacy, said Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Vatican official who coordinated work on the book.
Morality of Drone Warfare Questioned After Attack on Iranian General
The tweet early Jan. 3 from Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, asked for prayers. It wasn’t an unusual request from a church leader. Still, its significance stems from its context and its timing: a few hours after the overnight killing of Iran’s top military leader, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.
Pope on Epiphany Says Religion Shouldn’t be Abused to ‘Serve Ourselves’
Pope Francis said Jan. 6 that faith is about more than knowledge and doctrine, pointing to the three wise men who visited the infant Jesus as an example of what it means for the Church to “go out,” seeking to worship God rather than oneself.
After Soleimani Assassination, Pope Warns War ‘Brings Only Death and Destruction’
Days after the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States, Pope Francis issued an appeal for peace and calm Jan. 5 amid what he said is an “air of tension” throughout the world.