US Supreme Court directs Nevada governor to respond to Covid church limit challenge

Jan 11, 2021 - 07:01 pm .- The Supreme Court has given the governor of Nevada eight days to file a response to a church which argued that the state’s COVID-19 protocol was discriminatory against houses of worship.

Nigerian archbishop denounces ‘nefarious’ kidnappings 

Jan 11, 2021 - 05:27 pm .- The kidnappings of Catholic priests and others in Nigeria must end, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja said this week.

Thousands of clergy abuse records handed over to victims in Buffalo

Jan 11, 2021 - 05:06 pm .- The Diocese of Buffalo released thousands of clergy abuse documents and related records to abuse victims and their lawyers this week as part of an agreement in ongoing clergy abuse negotiations during its bankruptcy.

Catholic bishops reject proposal to decriminalize abortion in Dominican Republic

Jan 11, 2021 - 04:47 pm .- The Dominican bishops’ conference issued a statement Sunday rejecting a proposal to legalize abortion under certain conditions in a newly revised penal code being debated in the Dominican Congress.

Bishops call on Trump administration to stop planned federal executions

Jan 11, 2021 - 03:34 pm .- Prominent U.S. bishops are imploring a halt to three federal executions scheduled for this week.

Catholic leaders speak out on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Jan 11, 2021 - 01:49 pm .- Catholic leaders spoke out against human trafficking on Monday, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Pope Francis opens ministries of lector and acolyte to women: A CNA Explainer

Jan 11, 2021 - 11:45 am .- On Jan. 11, Pope Francis published an apostolic letter issued motu proprio (which means “on his own impulse” in Latin), modifying canon law regarding women’s access to the ministries of lector and acolyte. He also released a letter to Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Luis Ladaria explaining his reasoning for the decision.

Amid complaints, Irish broadcaster again apologizes for blasphemous NYE sketch

Jan 11, 2021 - 10:54 am .- After receiving thousands of complaints from citizens and vocal criticism from religious leaders, Ireland’s state broadcaster has apologized after a sketch on its New Year’s Eve programming joked about sexual assault, God, and the Virgin Mary.

Why is the internet abuzz with false claims of a ‘Vatican blackout’?: A CNA Explainer

Jan 11, 2021 - 07:30 am .- On Sunday, Jan. 10, the internet was abuzz with false reports of an overnight blackout at the Vatican, accompanied by a series of claims concerning Pope Francis, the Italian police, and the FBI. 

Pope Francis admits women to ministries of lector and acolyte in new motu proprio

Jan 11, 2021 - 04:05 am .- Pope Francis issued a motu proprio Monday that changes canon law to allow women to serve as lectors and acolytes.