Pope Meets Israeli Citizens Freed From Captivity in Gaza

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis met with a group of Israelis and their family members who were freed after being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. The private meeting with 16 people, including two children, took place at the Vatican Nov. 14. A few members held posters […]

Church Leaders React With Shock to Antisemitic Violence in Amsterdam

The Dutch bishops’ conference and Amsterdam’s St. Nicholas Parish reacted with horror to the violence against Israeli soccer supporters in the city on Nov. 7. Both the bishops and the St. Nicholas parish community stressed that differences of opinion should never lead to violence.

Notre Dame’s Choir is Ready to Sing Again at Home as Cathedral’s Bells Ring Anew

In a much anticipated moment, for the first time in more than five years, the eight bells of the north tower of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang out again on Nov. 8. “It is a beautiful, important and symbolic step,” said Philippe Jost, head of the team overviewing the cathedral’s restoration, cited in French Catholic newspaper “La Croix.”

Beyond the Candy: The Spiritual Roots of All Hallows Eve

This holiday’s roots stretch back to the 4th century when Christians sought to solemnly venerate Roman martyrs some 300 years after the resurrection of Christ. In that period, persecution against Christians
came in “waves,” said Father Michael Bruno, dean of seminarians and professor of church history at St. Joseph Seminary and College at Dunwoodie, Yonkers.