A new Pew Research study of spirituality looks at what people mean when they describe themselves as spiritual and how they distinguish it from being religious.
International News
Pope Condemns Attack on Gaza Parish Where Israeli Sniper Killed 2 Christian Women
Following the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s denouncement of a series of attacks on Christians in Gaza by Israeli forces Dec. 16, including the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic parish, Pope Francis and numerous bishops across the globe also condemned the attack, calling for peace.
Pope Francis Allows Blessings of Same-Sex Couples
Pope Francis is allowing ordained ministers to bless same-sex couples as long as it isn’t confused with the sacrament of marriage, according to a new document issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Dec. 18.
Latin Patriarchate Says IDF Killed Women at Gaza Parish ‘in Cold Blood’
After two women were killed and several others injured in a series of targeted attacks on a Catholic church and convent by the Israeli military in Gaza, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the violence, especially as Christmas draws near.
Cardinal Sentenced to 5 and a Half Years in Jail in Vatican ‘Trial of the Century’
In the long-awaited denouement of the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” which has been seen widely as a litmus test of Pope Francis’ press for reform, a Vatican tribunal Saturday sentenced Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu to five years and six months in prison for his role in various financial crimes.
As Expansion of Assisted Suicide Looms, Canada’s Bishops Back Alternatives
Facing an imminent expansion of Canada’s assisted suicide law to make people suffering from mental illness eligible, the nation’s Catholic bishops are calling on health care providers to invest more in mental health resources to get people the help they need.
While Saying He’s Better, Pope Reveals Plans for His Funeral and Burial
While insisting that his health continues to improve and he has no present plans to resign, Pope Francis nevertheless revealed in a new interview that he’s begun making plans for his own funeral and burial, including his desire to be entombed in Rome’s famed Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Palestinian Ambassador Lauds Pope’s Description of Gaza War as ‘Defeat’
Palestine’s ambassador to the Holy See has lauded Pope Francis’ description of the current war in Gaza as “defeat” and has called for both a cease-fire and an end to Israeli settlements, urging international leaders to do more.
Pope Marks 800th Anniversary of Nativity Scene, Asks Prayers for Holy Land
Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223.
Gaza Pastor Stresses Spiritual Life for Advent, Says Pope’s Closeness Is Key
As the Church begins its Advent and Christmas seasons, the pastor of Gaza’s lone Catholic parish stressed the importance of stepping up one’s spiritual life amid the tragedies of war, and said the pope’s attention to them has been a major consolation.