The Catholic Church cannot call itself Church if it is a “closed caste” where the sick, the wounded and sinners are shunned, Pope Francis told 20 new cardinals.
International News
Ukraine: Confusion, Disinformation
TWO RECENT interviews in the National Catholic Register suggest that there is considerable confusion about what’s what in Ukraine. Those confusions reflect the success of the extraordinary Russian disinformation campaign that’s been underway for the past 15 months. They may also touch on the delicate, but important question of Russia’s attempts to buy influence in […]
Benedict XVI Has No Regrets About Retiring
He has never doubted his decision to resign, knowing it was the right thing to do for the good of the Church, said Archbishop Georg Ganswein, personal secretary to the retired pope.
Anticipated Encyclical on Environment Generates Groundswell of Excitement
The much-anticipated encyclical by Pope Francis on the environment, expected sometime this spring or early summer, is generating a lot of buzz in Washington and elsewhere.
Pope Mourns Copts Beheaded for Their Faith
Pope Francis called for prayers for the Egyptian Christians beheaded by Islamic State militants in Libya and asked that God recognize these men killed for their faith.
Pope, Cardinals Discuss Reform of Roman Curia
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Cardinals meeting at the Vatican discussed better ways to balance the responsibilities of local bishops and of the Roman Curia, said the Vatican spokesman. A recurring theme in the cardinals’ Feb. 12-13 meeting was “what is it that is done best where,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told journalists Feb. […]
Vatican Document Offers Homily Help
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A homily at Mass is not a mini-catechism class, the Vatican says in a new document on homilies, but it is an opportunity to explain Church teaching using the Scripture readings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “In the broadest sense, the homily is a discourse about the mysteries of […]
Vatican Moves to End Cover-Ups on Clergy Sexual Abuse
Bishops who do not comply with the child protection norms adopted by their bishops’ conferences and approved by the Vatican must face real consequences, said the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Pope Says Women Must Have Greater Roles in the Church
“I am convinced of the urgency of offering space to women in the life of the church and to welcoming them, taking into account specific and changing cultural and social sensitivities,” Pope Francis said.
Pope’s Detour Surprises Immigrants
ROME (CNS) – When Pope Francis walked through the gate surrounding a group of shacks and very humble homes, it took a while for people to notice. In fact, when a couple of people looked out their doors, the pope’s chief security guard motioned them to come over. “Papa Francisco!” someone shouted in Spanish, and […]