While the verdict of assault and battery charges against ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick remains in limbo in a Massachusetts court, another criminal charge of sexual assault has been levied against the disgraced cleric, this time in Wisconsin.
National News
Transgender Interventions Pose Serious Medical Consequences for Minors, Says Surgeon
A former U.S. Navy surgeon with experience in reconstructive surgeries for combat-wounded troops, Deacon Patrick Lappert of the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, recently shared with OSV News his insights on transgender interventions for children. Deacon Lappert, who speaks nationally on this topic, warns that gender reassignment poses grave risks to both body and soul.
Cardinal Remembers 10th Anniversary of Boston Marathon Bombing
Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, Cardinal Seán O’Malley remembered each life lost as a “unique expression of love, concern for others, and courage” and reminded Boston Catholics that despite the violence of that day, they can find faith and trust in the Lord.
Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Lower Court Rulings Restricting Abortion Pills Amid Legal Challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court said April 14 it would temporarily keep in place status quo federal regulations regarding the use of an abortion drug, giving the court additional time to consider a lower court’s ruling to stay the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug.
U.S. Bishops Call on Catholics to Support Measure in Congress Over Transgender Athletes in Female Sports
The U.S. bishops are calling on Catholics to contact their representatives and senators in Congress and urge them to vote for a bill that would protect women and girls’ opportunities in sports by requiring federally funded female sports programs “to be reserved for biological females.”
Children Working in Agriculture Face Grueling Labor With Little Legal Protection, Speakers Say
In March, advocates for children’s and farmworkers’ rights discussed the realities of hundreds of thousands of children working in the agricultural industry, whose grueling work rarely violates child labor laws.
Phone-In Active Shooter Threats at Catholic Universities, Other Colleges Part Of ‘Swatting’ Trend
Shelter-in-place orders were issued April 13 at two Catholic universities in Washington, with all-clears declared shortly thereafter, as part of an apparent wave of false threats made against schools throughout the nation the same day and in recent weeks.
Florida Lawmakers, Desantis Approve Six-Week Abortion Ban
Florida lawmakers and the state’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination soon, approved a bill April 13 to ban abortions after six weeks.
Synod’s ‘Messy,’ ‘Joyful’ North American Phase Concludes with Call to Mission, Moves to Rome
The final document for the North American phase of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality was released April 12, capturing a process of dialogue and discernment that two participants described as ‘messy,’ ‘joyful’ and unifying — like the synod itself.
Court Order Keeps Abortion Drug Available with Restrictions
A federal appeals court in a 2-1 ruling just before midnight April 12 stopped part of the recent order by a Texas judge to suspend approval of the abortion pill mifepristone but the new ruling also put restrictions on the drug’s use.