Catholic moral theologians are calling the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani a violation of the just war tradition in a new statement released Jan. 20.
USCCB
Judge Blocks Trump’s Order on State Refugee Resettlement
A federal judge in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction Jan. 15 blocking the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order that would allow state and local government officials to reject resettling refugees in their jurisdictions.
American Catholics Welcome Trump’s Readiness to ‘Embrace Peace’
President Donald Trump’s assertion Wednesday that the United States is ready to “embrace peace” was welcomed by American Catholic leaders, who called it a “relief” from mounting tensions with Iran.
Meeting of Church Heavy-Hitters Calls for ‘Adjustments’ to Priestly Formation
A major gathering of ecclesial heavy hitters focusing on the future of the priesthood concluded with a call for a reimagining of priestly formation – one that incorporates the laity and women in the process and better reflects the racial and cultural diversity within the U.S. Church.
Morality of Drone Warfare Questioned After Attack on Iranian General
The tweet early Jan. 3 from Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, asked for prayers. It wasn’t an unusual request from a church leader. Still, its significance stems from its context and its timing: a few hours after the overnight killing of Iran’s top military leader, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.
‘Violence in the Name of God is Blasphemy,’ USCCB President Says
Decrying the acts of religious violence that have taken place during the Christmas season, the president of the U.S. bishops declared: “Violence in the name of God is blasphemy.”
Death Penalty Continues to Decline in the U.S. According to New Report
For five years in a row, there have been fewer than 30 death penalty executions and fewer than 50 death sentences, according to a new report that chronicles a continued dramatic decline in the use of capital punishment in the United States.
Only in Print: Bishop Caggiano Named Chairman of Catholic Relief Services | December 7, 2019
Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. — who is originally from Brooklyn— was named chairman of Catholic Relief Services, the arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that provides global humanitarian aid.
Sheen Beatification Postponed at Request of ‘Few’ U.S. Bishops
Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria said Vatican officials have told him that the upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been postponed “at the request of a few members” of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Bishop Caggiano Named Chairman of Catholic Relief Services Board
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the new chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services following his appointment by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.