Archive for February 17, 2021

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By Jonah McKeown

New York’s commercial surrogacy legalization will exploit women, critics say

New York state this week legalized commercial surrogacy, prompting concerns about the exploitation of women and commodification of children. Read more

 Pope Francis greets Mario Draghi at the Vatican on Oct. 19, 2013. Credit: Vatican Media.?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican ties of Italy’s new Prime Minister Mario Draghi

Italy’s new prime minister -- an economist nicknamed “Super Mario” -- has Vatican ties that date back many years.  Read more

Pavica Vojnović takes part in a 40 Days for Life event in Pforzheim, Germany. Credit: ADF International.?w=200&h=150

Pro-life activists challenge German municipality’s prayer vigil ban

Pro-life activists are challenging a German municipality’s decision to ban them from praying in front of a pre-abortion advisory center.  Read more

Pope Francis says Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Feb. 17, 2021. Credit: Vatican Media.?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Lent is a journey from slavery to freedom

The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in... Read more

The Iraqi flag. Credit: Alyaa99 (CC BY-SA 4.0).?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq comes as country faces ‘multiple crises’

Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq comes at a time when the country faces severe political, socioeconomic, and security challenges. The... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates the Liturgy of the Passion of Our Lord in St. Peter's Basilica April 14, 2017. Credit: L'Osservatore Romano.?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Holy Week 2021: Vatican issues guidelines for Catholics amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions

The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued guidelines on Wednesday for the celebration of... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican flag. ?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Council for the Economy discusses 2021 Vatican budget

The Vatican’s Council for the Economy met on Tuesday to discuss the details of the annual budget for 2021.  Read more

President Joe Biden   Credit: mccv/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

By Matt Hadro

What happened to the USCCB working group on Biden?

A source at the U.S. bishops’ conference (USCCB) has disputed the notion that a special working group formed to deal... Read more

National Assembly building in Paris, Francis.?w=200&h=150

By CNA Staff

French National Assembly passes anti-extremism bill proposing stricter rules for religion

The French National Assembly has passed a bill that backers say will counter extremism and separatism, especially among French Muslims.... Read more

The flag of the Republic of Belarus. ?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Authorities in Belarus stall Catholic charity initiative to help low-income families

A decision by the authorities in Belarus has left a Catholic charity unable to pursue an initiative aimed at helping poor... Read more

Pope Francis, pictured Oct. 15, 2014. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.?w=200&h=150

Pope Francis urges Brazil’s Christians to seek unity in battle against pandemic

Pope Francis encouraged Brazil’s Christians on Wednesday to confront the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic together this Lent.  Read more

South Dakota state capitol   Credit: oleprophoto/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

South Dakota hears pro-life testimony on “discrimination abortion” ban

As South Dakota’s legislature considers a ban on abortions due to a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, pro-life leaders say... Read more

Poster for the Ecumenical Fraternity Campaign for Lent 2021. Credit: National Conference of Bishops of Brazil.?w=200&h=150

Brazilian bishops discuss controversial text of ecumenical Lenten campaign

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has issued a statement to confront a wave of complaints over the inclusion... Read more

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Aug. 17, 2020: Pro-life democrats   Credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock?w=200&h=150

Democrats for Life: Some PR firms fear ‘backlash’ for working with pro-life candidates

Pro-life Democratic political candidates have encountered resistance from some public relations firms not willing to work with them, one pro-life... Read more

Celtic Cross on the hill at Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland. ?w=200&h=150

As Lent begins, Irish bishop urges that political leaders be told worship is essential

The worship of God is ‘utterly essential’ and political leaders need to be told this, the Bishop of Raphoe wrote... Read more

Poster for the Ecumenical Fraternity Campaign for Lent 2021. Credit: National Conference of Bishops of Brazil.?w=200&h=150

Brazil's military archbishop distances himself from Lenten campaign over gender ideology

The head of Brazil’s military ordinariate has told the nation’s bishops’ conference he will not use material from this year’s... Read more