U.S. & World News
U.S. couple at synod calls for ‘robust, creative’ family programs
Existing diocesan programs and Catholic organizations aimed at helping Catholic families fulfill their vocation clearly are not strong enough to meet modern needs, a Wisconsin couple told the Synod of Bishops.
Life of newly beatified New Jersey sister called ‘recipe for holiness’
More than 2,200 people packed the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark Oct. 4 to celebrate the first beatification liturgy in the United States.
Vatican’s abuse panel plans to include more experts, another survivor
A papal commission on child protection will be expanding its nine-member panel to include more experts and another survivor of clerical abuse.
Pope recalls another key anniversary in his life: his first Communion
Unable to resist telling the world about a personal event that is dear to his heart, Pope Francis said that 70 years ago to the day, he celebrated his first Communion.
Pope: Tiny voice in your head? Don’t ignore it; it’s a guardian angel
Guardian angels are not the stuff of fantasy; they are really present as wise travel companions helping people navigate life’s journey, Pope Francis said.
Pope: Use gifts to benefit church, not create division, envy, annoyance
Everyone has a special gift to offer the whole church, just make sure it is used to serve everyone and not to puff up one’s own pride or to create division, Pope Francis said.
Legal proceedings, pastoral outreach both part of annulment process
There’s an inherent tension between upholding the indissolubility of sacramental marriage and bringing pastoral care to those whose marriages have failed, according to a canon law professor and ethics professor at The Catholic University of America in Washington.
Pope: Greed, throwaway culture fuel ‘hidden euthanasia’ of elderly
Pope Francis warned against the abandonment and neglect of the elderly, calling it a “hidden euthanasia” rooted in today’s “poisonous” culture of disposal and an economic system of greed.
Nun who won Italy’s ‘The Voice’ records first album
Universal has released a promotional video for the first album by Sister Cristina Scuccia, the Ursuline nun who won first place on last season’s The Voice Italy.
In homily, pope compares vain Christians to soap bubbles, peacocks
As fleeting as soap bubbles, showy as peacocks and shallow as an over-primped star, conceited Christians are building their lives on lies and their faith on shifting sands, Pope Francis said.
Pope calls for ‘globalization of charity’ to protect migrants
Pope Francis called for the “globalization of charity” through an international network to fight human trafficking and ensure the rights of migrants and refugees.
USCCB president suggests Sept. 28 as day of prayer for upcoming synod
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has joined Pope Francis and the office for the Synod of Bishops in encouraging a universal day of prayer Sept. 28 for the upcoming synod on the family.
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