As sweeping secularization alienates many from the Catholic faith and leaves empty pews in its wake, the Vatican is seeking new ways to rescue churches faced with fewer attendees and new economic challenges
International News
Bishops, Journalists Attacked in Nicaragua
Nicaraguan bishops and clergy were attacked by armed groups aligned with the government July 9 as violence in the Central American country escalated and affected the Catholic Church, which has provided humanitarian assistance in its parishes and has tried to diffuse a worsening political crisis through dialogue.
In Bari, Pope Renews Call For Peace in Middle East
As war continues to threaten the land of Jesus’ birth and to undermine the existence of Christian communities there, the international community must learn from the errors of the past and do more to bring lasting peace to the Middle East, Pope Francis said.
Palermo’s Santa Rosalia Feast Is a Must for Devotees
The 14th of July in these United States is celebrated as the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Born in what is now upstate New York to a Mohawk chieftain and his Algonquin captive, the young maiden revered as the “Lily of the Mohawks” is the first native American woman to be canonized.
Leading Economist Champions Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’
Jeffrey Sachs – one of the world’s best-known economists – is also arguably one of the world’s biggest cheerleaders of Pope Francis and believes him to be the most important moral leader in the world today.
Pope Tells Cardinals: Avoid Palace Intrigue, Serve Christ and the Church
Don’t waste your time being involved in palace intrigue, and focus solely on serving Christ and his Church, was Pope Francis’s message to the 14 new cardinals he created on Thursday.
Filipino Bishops, Pols React as Duterte Says God Is ‘Stupid’
Bishops and some politicians reacted negatively after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte questioned the logic of the Bible creation story and called God “stupid.” Ucanews.com reported that, speaking during a technology summit in the southern city of Davao, Duterte questioned how Adam and Eve brought about “original sin.”
Church Is Experiencing Its #MeToo Moment
In the wake of historic allegations of sexual abuse and cover-up in countries around the world, the Catholic Church is experiencing the same challenge that has brought a reckoning to those who used their authority to abuse or silence victims, said an Australian archbishop.
Relic of Early Pope Found By London Waste Company
A relic of bones of an early pope was given to the Catholic Church after it was stolen from a car and recovered by a waste disposal company.
Pope Says Local Bishop Should Make the Call on Intercommunion
After a day of touting ways in which Christians might share in greater unity, that commitment to coming together didn’t prevent Pope Francis from backing the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog in its decision to insist on caution regarding proposals for intercommunion with Protestants.