When Pope Francis goes to South Korea in August, he will put 124 martyrs on the path to sainthood. Many in this group established the Catholic Church in that East Asian country.
International News
Vatican Laicizes Former Nuncio Over Sexual Abuse Charges
A Vatican investigation has led to the expulsion of a former Vatican ambassador from the priesthood in response to allegations of sexually abusing minors.
Pope Offers Prayers for Murdered Israeli Teens
Pope Francis expressed his participation in the “unspeakable suffering” of the families of three kidnapped Israeli teens whose bodies were found June 30 in Hebron, West Bank.
Iraqi Christians’ Fate Goes from Bad to Worse
IAMMAN, Jordan (CNS) – Thousands of Iraqi Christians fled shelling by extremist militants and were seeking refuge in the neighboring autonomous Kurdistan region, said Catholic leaders in northern Iraq, who expressed grave concern for the people’s fate.
Court Ruling Upholds Rights Of Conscience
In a narrowly tailored 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court June 30 said closely held companies may be exempted from a government requirement to include contraceptives in employee health insurance coverage under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
Pope to Mafia: You Are Not in Communion With God
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In the stronghold of an Italian crime syndicate believed to be richer and more powerful than the Sicilian Mafia, Pope Francis said, “Those who follow the path of evil, like the mafiosi do, are not in communion with God; they are excommunicated!” During a Mass June 21 in the southern region […]
March for Marriage Is a Step Toward Truth
Political and religious leaders encouraged Americans to promote traditional marriage with truth and love at the second annual March for Marriage.
People’s Understanding Important to Teachings
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When a significant portion of the Catholic faithful ignore or reject a Church teaching, it is often – but not always – a sign that social and cultural pressures are weakening their faith or that Church leaders simply have not found a way to explain the teaching, said members of the […]
US Bishops in New Orleans: Focus on Families
Speakers addressing the U.S. bishops on the second day of their spring general assembly in New Orleans urged them to continue their ministry of caring for those in need – reach out in a special way to couples and families.
Cubans Continue to Rebuild Their Church
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The president of the Cuban bishops’ conference told a group of Cuban emigrants and other Americans of plans to build one of the country’s first new churches in 50 years in his archdiocese, using materials salvaged from the stage built for a Mass there celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI two years ago.