The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal about an order to remove a Ten Commandments display outside City Hall in Bloomfield, New Mexico. The refusal to hear the case lets the lower court ruling stand.
International News
On the Ground In Puerto Rico
We landed in San Juan exactly at noon on Thursday, Oct. 19. It was one of those flights that could turn you into a praying man – just a long period of turbulence from Queens to Old San Juan. As the plane approached the airport two details stand out – the grayness of the trees and the colors on the roofs. Hurricane Maria had taken away the leaves and the roofs. Naked trees and roofless houses now covered with plastic tarps were the new face of San Juan from the unquiet comfort of my seat on the plane.
Hong Kong Bishop Emphasizes Pastoral Over Political Concerns
In an exclusive interview with The Tablet, Hong Kong’s new bishop spoke of how he is focusing on pastoral matters over political concerns. Bishop Yeung says he devoting attention to young people, the elderly, and building social solidarity, rather than emphasizing political disagreement with the government.
Cardinal Zen: Church Must Be Cautious with China
He’s been called “the conscience of China.” At age 85, Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, is hardly living out his retirement in quiet.
@Pontifex Twitter Hits 40 Million
Pope Francis’ @Pontifex Twitter accounts reached more than 40 million followers just a few months before the fifth anniversary of when Pope Benedict XVI launched the initiative.
Coverage from Puerto Rico
Jorge Dominiguez, the editor of Nuestra Voz, the diocesan Spanish monthly, is currently in Puerto Rico where he is getting a firsthand look at the destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria. His reports will be broadcast on NET-TV and will be printed in The Tablet next week.
Death Penalty Contrary to The Gospel
The death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.
Vatican Issues Itinerary for Papal Trip to Myanmar, Bangladesh
Pope Francis’ trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh will offer moments to recognize each nation’s struggle for independence, underline interreligious respect and encourage the local minority Catholic communities.
Nine Men and Women Declared Blessed
Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of nine men and women, including a Franciscan priest who championed the land rights of farmers in Guatemala.
Terrorist Crisis Continues To Grow in Philippines
Caritas in the Philippines is appealing for help for 400,000 people displaced in Marawi as fears grow of malnutrition and displacement problems resulting from ongoing terrorist attacks.