Donohue says IRS probe triggered by Catholics United

May 18, 2013 - 06:02 am .- Bill Donohue of the Catholic League said he was “stunned” that the IRS investigated his organization in 2008, charging that the Democrat-leaning group Catholics United filed the complaint and used it to argue that CNN should drop him as a commentator.

Marriage advocates plan to sue IRS over leaks

May 17, 2013 - 05:03 pm .- The National Organization for Marriage is filing a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, after its confidential tax return was leaked from the agency to the group's chief political opposition.

Peruvian bishop recalls 25th anniversary of John Paul II's visit

May 17, 2013 - 04:00 pm .- Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren of Piura recounted the Eucharistic love and call to holiness of Blessed Pope John Paul II on his second visit to Peru, 25 years ago.

Spanish bishop exhorts faithful to speak out against abortion

May 17, 2013 - 12:02 pm .- Bishop Demetrio Fernandez of Cordoba, Spain, is calling on the faithful not to remain silent about the genocide of abortion and to work for “policies inspired in the culture of life.”

Pope's mission app launch spreads Gospel

May 17, 2013 - 11:30 am .- With the touch of an iPad, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to unlock a new smartphone application and expanded the Church’s footprint in the digital world.

Pope tells story of bishop who felt 'unworthy'

May 17, 2013 - 10:35 am .- Pope Francis told the story of a man who felt ashamed of being a bishop to say that people should not worry of being sinners but should concentrate on allowing Jesus to transform them.

Pope points mission societies toward young churches

May 17, 2013 - 09:58 am .- Pope Francis met this afternoon with the directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies and encouraged them to help “the young churches” that operate in difficult and sometimes hostile circumstances.

Pope's plan to visit Bonaria shrine thrills pastor

May 17, 2013 - 05:05 am .- Father Giovannino Tolu said his heart began racing when he heard that Pope Francis will the visit the shrine he oversees on the Italian island of Sardinia, making it the fourth time he has received a pontiff.

Pro-life groups claim to be among IRS targets

May 17, 2013 - 04:02 am .- Along with its targeting of conservative political groups for extra scrutiny, Internal Revenue Service employees also reportedly singled out pro-life leaders for intimidation.

Gay adoption bill could downsize Catholic agencies

May 17, 2013 - 02:04 am .- As a new bill aims to bar federal funding of adoption services that do not place children with gay couples, an Illinois Catholic leader warned a similar law there downsized faith-based agencies.

Vatican representative at UN pleads for end to Syria 'bloodbath'

May 17, 2013 - 12:06 am .- The apostolic nuncio to the United Nations urged those with influence over the warring parties in Syria to encourage them to end the violence and seek peace.

'Chasm' exists between Pope, liberation theology

May 16, 2013 - 08:04 pm .- Even though Pope Francis is deeply concerned for the poor and has been praised by liberation theologians, there is a stark divide between the pontiff and them, according to a Vatican analyst.

Catholic professor says IRS audit deterred her criticisms of Obama

May 16, 2013 - 05:18 pm .- A Catholic professor says that an IRS audit that may have been politically motivated made her much less likely to criticize President Barack Obama in her writings.

Judge drops charge against Bishop Finn, forcing settlement

May 16, 2013 - 04:38 pm .- A Missouri judge has dropped a charge that Bishop Robert Finn and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph aided and abetted a priest who possessed child pornography, though another charge remains and the diocese has settled a $600,000 lawsuit in the case.

Vatican official urges renewal of spouses' life-long 'yes'

May 16, 2013 - 04:12 pm .- Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said a cultural change is needed to recover the value and meaning of the life-long “yes” that spouses give each other in marriage. 

Venezuelan food shortage threatens supply of wine for Mass

May 16, 2013 - 12:16 pm .- Reporter Macky Arenas of the Catholic Lay Report said the serious food shortage in Venezuela could lead to a lack of wine and hosts for the celebration of Mass.

Pope: 'If we annoy people, blessed be the Lord'

May 16, 2013 - 10:40 am .- The Pope told Christians it is better to be “annoying” and “a nuisance” than lukewarm in proclaiming Jesus Christ.

Relations with China affect timing of Matteo Ricci cause

May 16, 2013 - 10:00 am .- Approval for the beatification of the Italian Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, who ministered in China 500 years ago, depends to some degree on the Vatican’s relations with China.

'Money has to serve, not rule!' Pope tells new ambassadors

May 16, 2013 - 05:47 am .- Pope Francis told the new ambassadors to the Holy See from Kyrgyzstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Luxembourg and Botswana to use money to serve and asked them to help reform the world economy along “ethical lines.”

Vatican bank plans website launch, annual report

May 16, 2013 - 04:18 am .- The institution often called the Vatican bank will launch a new website and begin publishing its annual report, as it continues to improve its transparency and image.