Activist's departure from NYU draws fear of Chinese pressure

Jun 19, 2013 - 05:22 pm .- Amid reports that blind pro-life activist Chen Guangcheng is being asked to leave New York University, some human rights defenders are worried that the decision was influenced by the Chinese government.

Vatican theologians approve second miracle of John Paul II

Jun 19, 2013 - 12:19 pm .- Theologians at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have approved a second miracle granted through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, moving him closer to being declared a saint.

'Hypocrisy in the Church makes all of us bad,' says Pope

Jun 19, 2013 - 09:20 am .- Pope Francis warned two Vatican offices attending his morning Mass against being hypocrites, stating it makes everyone “bad.”

Catholic Medical Association sees growth in troubled times

Jun 19, 2013 - 04:00 am .- The Catholic Medical Association has seen “steady growth” in membership, providing fellowship for Catholic medical professionals as conscience rights and religious freedom are increasingly threatened.

NY abortion expansion fails amid Catholic opposition

Jun 19, 2013 - 12:07 am .- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed bill to dramatically expand legal abortion in the state died in the state senate following months of Catholic and pro-life opposition.

Obama threatens veto as fetal pain bill passes House

Jun 18, 2013 - 05:22 pm .- Despite passing the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy faces an uncertain future as the Obama administration has suggested that he will veto it.  

Construction begins on new home for elderly in Thailand

Jun 18, 2013 - 04:07 pm .- A new home for the elderly in Thailand will seek to restore respect for senior citizens and to fight the escalating problems of elderly abandonment and suicide in the country.

Jesus 'wants pastors, not combers of sheep,' Pope Francis says

Jun 18, 2013 - 01:12 pm .- Christians are called to be evangelists, seeking out the sheep who are lost rather than staying at home tending to the few who have never left, Pope Francis said at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall.

Argentine bishops concerned over assisted reproduction law

Jun 18, 2013 - 12:04 pm .- Responding to a new law on assisted fertilization, the bishops of Argentina stressed that “not everything that is technically possible is ethically and legally acceptable.”

Pope explains how Christians can love bombers

Jun 18, 2013 - 11:00 am .- Pope Francis tackled Jesus’ teaching that Christians must love their enemies by asking a series of provocative questions, such as, how can we love those who “bomb and kill so many people?”

Children's journey of beauty ends with papal visit

Jun 18, 2013 - 09:02 am .- This coming Sunday, almost 500 disadvantaged children will arrive at the Vatican on a special red train, where they will be greeted by Pope Francis as part of their “Journey of Beauty.”

Fargo's new bishop-elect aims to help faith flourish

Jun 18, 2013 - 04:01 am .- Monsignor John T. Folda, the bishop-elect of the Fargo diocese, looks forward to promoting the Catholic faith in eastern North Dakota following his episcopal consecration June 19.

US bishops' group approves $9 million in anti-poverty funds

Jun 18, 2013 - 02:14 am .- The domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved more than $9 million in grants to help alleviate poverty and injustice throughout the United States.

Vatican lawyer not surprised by court's refusal to hear abuse case

Jun 18, 2013 - 12:04 am .- A dismissed request that the International Criminal Court investigate U.S. clergy sex abuse as a crime against humanity misunderstands the nature of the Catholic Church, the Vatican’s U.S. lawyer has said.

Cardinal pushes for law to protect pain-capable unborn

Jun 17, 2013 - 05:10 pm .- The U.S. bishops’ point man on pro-life issues is calling on federal legislators to support a bill that would ban late-term abortions after unborn children are able to feel pain.

Quebec euthanasia bill blasted for enshrining 'power to kill'

Jun 17, 2013 - 04:03 pm .- A Quebec bill to allow lethal drug prescriptions for patients in pain would give doctors “the power to kill” and further lessen the value society places on the ill and dying, a Canadian pro-life group said.

Catholic, Orthodox groups unite to promote online safety

Jun 17, 2013 - 12:23 pm .- A new website launched by the U.S. bishops’ communication department and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is striving to provide internet safety advice for families.

Jesus makes slaps, insults 'nothing,' Pope declares

Jun 17, 2013 - 11:00 am .- Jesus makes it possible for Christians to “turn the other cheek” because they have received “all” from him, making slights, insults and even good things “nothing,” Pope Francis said.

Interim bank appointment means Pope wants cardinals' advice

Jun 17, 2013 - 10:30 am .- The temporary selection of a prelate for the so-called Vatican Bank shows Pope Francis is waiting for the advice of the cardinals he tapped as advisors before deciding the fate of the financial institute, according to a source in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.

Economy, politics must serve man, Pope tells G8

Jun 17, 2013 - 08:05 am .- In a message to Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, Pope Francis underscored that the “material and spiritual welfare” of every person must be the impetus behind political and economic efforts to remedy the economic crisis and help the poor.