UN Conference Urges World to Dump Nukes

Representatives of eight interfaith and interreligious organizations said the moral argument is the strongest one in the stalled international effort to abolish nuclear weapons.

Pope Prays for Defense of Christians

Christians live the joy of the Resurrection when they share a smile with someone, weep with those who mourn and defend the rights of those persecuted for their faith, Pope Francis said.

Announcing the Holy Year

Celebrating the first vespers for Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis formally will deliver the “bull of indiction” or proclamation of the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy.

Papal Preacher: Persecutions Being Ignored

Widespread indifference to the violent persecution of Christians and other communities suggests the world is full of Pontius Pilates who eagerly wash their hands of all responsibility, said Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household.

Pope Shares Easter Joy

As Holy Week and Easter approached, Pope Francis wanted to show his ongoing concern for people persecuted and displaced by violence in Iraq and in northern Nigeria.

US Priest: From Movie Sets to Vatican Ministry

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — On a movie set in Hollywood, Scott Borgman was hooking a camera to the bottom of a vintage car when he told a fellow key-grip about his decision to go to France and enter the seminary. “He stopped what he was doing, put the tools down, and said, ‘Scott, I think […]

Vatican Defends Appointment of Bishop

By Laura Ieraci VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The appointment of a controversial bishop in Chile was made after a careful review found no “objective reasons” to prevent Bishop Juan Barros from taking over the Diocese of Osorno, the Vatican press office said. The bishop had been accused of covering up for a priest who was […]

Bishop’s Conferences Reminded Of Limits to Their Authority

By Jonathan Luxmoore WARSAW, Poland (CNS) – The prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has advised bishops’ conferences not to take “doctrinal and disciplinary decisions” on issues that rightly fall under the magisterium of the church. Cardinal Gerhard Muller said that while bishops’ conferences have authority on some matters, “they don’t constitute […]