Matt Hadro

Matt Hadro

Matt Hadro was the political editor at Catholic News Agency through October 2021. He previously worked as CNA senior D.C. correspondent and as a press secretary for U.S. Congressman Chris Smith.

Articles by Matt Hadro

Scottish archbishop credits God's grace for healing process in diocese

Jan 13, 2015 / 17:18 pm

Following the 2013 resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien as Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, his successor acknowledges the healing process for the diocese is continuing by God’s grace, but will take time.

New US Congress reflects the Catholic swing vote

Jan 6, 2015 / 09:34 am

The overwhelming majority of federal lawmakers in the U.S. are Christian, according to a new report, which also found that Catholics in the legislative branch are split between parties, reflecting a split in the U.S. population.

Members of Congress: Abortion funding breaks health care law promise

Dec 26, 2014 / 16:06 pm

More than 75 members of Congress have written the Obama administration emphasizing that abortion coverage must be billed separately under the health care law, as it was promised.  

With winter knocking for displaced Iraqis, supplies fall short of needs

Dec 18, 2014 / 02:39 am

As millions of displaced Iraqis are caught in the dead of winter, the international community has a long way to go to cover their basic needs, according to a panel testimony before Congress last week.

Vatican, Pope played key role in US-Cuba prisoner release

Dec 17, 2014 / 10:26 am

The Vatican played a critical role behind a prisoner exchange and a groundbreaking new policy between U.S. and Cuba announced on Wednesday, senior administration officials said.  

A long vacancy: Controversial religious freedom diplomat takes helm

Dec 15, 2014 / 19:19 pm

The U.S. Senate voted 61-36 on Friday to confirm Rabbi David Saperstein as the next U.S. Ambassador at-large for International Religious Freedom.

Congress gets personal as support surges for disabilities act

Dec 11, 2014 / 17:20 pm

Congress got personal at a bipartisan press conference on Thursday, with parents of disabled children sharing their stories to push for a bill that would help some disabled persons save for their expenses.

Prisoners of conscience remembered on Human Rights Day

Dec 11, 2014 / 04:36 am

On International Human Rights Day, advocates drew attention to prisoners of conscience around the world who are being detained for their beliefs.

Conscience rights for DC religious schools threatened by city vote

Dec 10, 2014 / 19:10 pm

The Washington D.C. city council has stripped religious schools of legal protection against certain discrimination lawsuits, voting unanimously to repeal an exemption that had been in place for decades.

Bishop condemns acts of torture detailed in damning Senate report

Dec 10, 2014 / 12:36 pm

Beatings. Sleep deprivation. Death by hypothermia. Isolation. A Senate report released Tuesday exposed a dark underbelly of the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program that oversaw 119 detainees between 2001 and 2009.

House overcomes partisan bickering to pass disabilities bill

Dec 6, 2014 / 15:57 pm

After eight years in legislative limbo, a bill helping those with disabilities to save in tax-exempt accounts and still receive federal benefits passed the House overwhelmingly Dec. 3.

Will an ancient Christian culture disappear unless East and West unite?

Dec 5, 2014 / 02:02 am

The East and West must cooperate to save ancient Christian cultures in the Middle East, to secure peace, and to protect humanity as a whole, an expert in Aramaic culture insists.

Church 'crucial' to fighting AIDS; US must keep funding

Dec 1, 2014 / 17:08 pm

The Church’s involvement in fighting AIDS is crucial and it must keep receiving funding from the U.S. for the number of infections to drop, said a health expert with Catholic Relief Services on World AIDS Day.

Law group: Iran nuclear deal should include Christian pastor's freedom

Nov 28, 2014 / 04:11 am

Advocates pushing for the U.S. State Department to demand the release of Christen pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran – remained hopeful after Iranian nuclear talks were extended for six months.  

What the Church can do about the powder keg of US racial tensions

Nov 26, 2014 / 04:52 am

Beneath the ongoing unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, are deep-rooted societal conflicts that are boiling over, say local leaders, and the Church has an opportunity to be at the forefront of reconciliation.  

Reject 'false hope' of violence, archbishop implores after Ferguson ruling

Nov 25, 2014 / 10:31 am

The Archbishop of St. Louis rejected violent responses to a grand jury’s decision not to indict a Ferguson police officer who killed a teenager, asking instead for prayer and action to solve underlying community problems.  

Pope's Philly visit will be 'powerful' witness to marriage, bishop says

Nov 24, 2014 / 17:02 pm

Next year’s World Meeting of Families – which Pope Francis has confirmed he will attend – will be a “tremendous catechetical moment” for the Church, affirmed one U.S. archbishop.

Knights donate $2 million for Middle East refugee housing

Nov 20, 2014 / 16:41 pm

The Knights of Columbus is putting more than $2 million toward new homes for Iraqi and Syrian refugees fleeing violence, and not a moment too soon, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.

Fight discrimination against pro-life doctors, bishops ask Congress

Nov 20, 2014 / 15:35 pm

The U.S. bishops are imploring Congress to enact stronger medical conscience protections against state abortion laws by passing the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act.  

Remember the 'least of these' in spending cuts, bishops tell Congress

Nov 18, 2014 / 15:40 pm

As the 113th Congress enters the “lame-duck” session before newly-elected members take office, the U.S. Bishops are urging that a “circle of protection” be enacted around budget programs focusing on the poor.