Archive for June 18, 2015

(L-R) Cardinal Parolin, Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and Bishop Hinder assist in the ribbon cutting at the inauguration of St. Paul parish in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 11, 2015. ?w=200&h=150

A new church is consecrated in United Arab Emirates amid hope for peace, dialogue

The inauguration and blessing of a new parish in the capital of the United Arab Emirates last week was met... Read more

via Unsplash.?w=200&h=150

Environment encyclical takes bold stance on controversial issues

In his newly released encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis did not hesitate to wade into controversial topics, making statements... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience in St Peter's Square on May 20, 2015. ?w=200&h=150

The Pope's take on transgender issues? Accept the body God gave you

Pope Francis' new encyclical on the environment calls for men and women to acknowledge their bodies as a “gift” from... Read more

Pope Francis. ?w=200&h=150

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis blasts abortion, population control in new encyclical

In his new encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis slams attacks against human life such as abortion, embryonic experimentation and... Read more

The facade of St. Peter's Basilica, as seen from the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. ?w=200&h=150

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Magisterium – not secret authors – had final say on encyclical

Despite many claiming they helped to draft Pope Francis' new encyclical, the final text cannot be attributed to any 'hidden'... Read more

St. Francis of Assisi. ?w=200&h=150

By Elise Harris

Saint Francis and his star role in the Pope's new encyclical

Pope Francis' new encyclical is filled with references to his namesake, whom the Pope says is a model of how... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus, June 14, 2015. ?w=200&h=150

The first encyclical wholly from Francis overturns expectations

'Laudato si' is not only an example of the Magisterium's social teaching: it also represents the birth of a new... Read more

Members of Congress hold a prayer circle for Charleston shooting victims outside the White House, June 18, 2015. ?w=200&h=150

After mass shooting horror, S.C. Catholics mourn with Charleston church

A mass shooting at a historic African-American church in Charleston, S.C. drew prayers and sympathy from the state’s Catholics, aghast... Read more

via Unsplash.?w=200&h=150

By Matt Hadro

US bishops on 'Laudato Si' – it's about conversion

Several leading U.S. bishops praised the new papal encyclical as an invitation to turn away from sin and grow closer... Read more

Press conference on Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si on June 18, 2015 in Paul VI Hall. ?w=200&h=150

By Elise Harris

Vatican: Encyclical aims to promote common good, not take sides

The Vatican's presentation of Pope Francis' new encyclical said the intent behind the document goes beyond political debates, aiming for... Read more