Latest Catholic News

William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist, who died Jan. 12, 2017.

How the Catholic author of 'The Exorcist' saw good and evil

Jan 13, 2017

William Peter Blatty, whose fictionalized vision of demonic possession and Catholic exorcism transfixed a great swath of the American public,... Read more

Pope Francis during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica on April 2, 2015.

Seeking Christ is always a risk – but it's worth it, Pope says

Jan 13, 2017

In his homily on Friday morning, Pope Francis commented on the Gospel story of the paralytic lowered through the roof,... Read more

A view of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City flag from the roof of a nearby building on June 5, 2015.

Siblings arrested in cyberattack that compromised Vatican computers

Jan 13, 2017

Two arrests have been made in a widespread cyber-attack that compromised communications of prominent Italian institutions and individuals, including the... Read more

Missing priest in Mexico found dead

Jan 13, 2017

The body of Father Joaquín Hernández Sifuentes, a priest in northern Mexico who had been missing since Jan. 3, was... Read more

Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta.

Maltese bishops: Divorced-and-remarried 'at peace with God' may receive Communion

Jan 13, 2017

By Elise Harris

As debate over Amoris laetitia continues to gain steam, the Maltese bishops have come out with a new set of... Read more

Pope Francis arrives to meet with youth at Kasarani stadium in Kenya on Nov. 27, 2015.

Youth to be protagonists in upcoming synod of bishops

Jan 13, 2017

By Elise Harris

With the 2014-2015 Synod of Bishops on the Family barely falling out of sight, the preparatory document for the next... Read more

Race against time for Congress to block DC's assisted suicide law

Jan 13, 2017

By Matt Hadro

Congress took its first step toward blocking D.C.’s doctor-prescribed suicide law on Thursday, but the action will need the support... Read more

Rainbow Flag.

Can you teach the truth and not be a hater? This ministry for gay Catholics says yes.

Jan 13, 2017

By Mary Farrow

In a country where gay marriage has gained widespread acceptance – both culturally and legally – in the past several... Read more

Decision (marriage, divorce, annulment). Photo by George Hodan (CC0 1.0).

In Texas legislature, second thoughts about 'no-fault' divorce

Jan 12, 2017

By Kevin J. Jones

Changes to divorce law are up for consideration in the Texas legislature, with supporters saying it is too easy to... Read more

Family tree research.

Looking for family history? Boston archdiocese is digitizing Catholic records

Jan 12, 2017

If you've been wanting to learn more about your family tree, a new online database is making the search easier... Read more

Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis.

St Louis archbishop foresees dire effects of proposed abortion law

Jan 12, 2017

Giving civil rights protection to abortion would undermine respect for life and threaten the religious freedom of Catholic institutions, the... Read more

Knights of Malta say leader's dismissal 'more complex' than condoms

Jan 12, 2017

By Elise Harris

After former Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Malta Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager was dismissed in early December, many have... Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, Nov. 18, 2015.

Love God now – because you might not have tomorrow, Pope says

Jan 12, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis reflected on Thursday how each person, not knowing what will happen in the future, has only “today” to... Read more

Mexico's bishops call on authorities to find missing priest

Jan 12, 2017

The Mexican bishops' conference on Tuesday asked authorities to provide more information on the disappearance of Father Joaquín Hernández Sifuentes... Read more

Persecution of Christians has risen for the fourth straight year

Jan 12, 2017

By Matt Hadro

Global persecution of Christians has risen for the fourth year in a row and is on a “rapid rise” in... Read more

Haitian emigrants at a Salesian shelter in Tijuana, October 2016. Photo courtesy of Agenzia Info Salesiana.

Tijuana shelters overwhelmed by Haitian migrants

Jan 12, 2017

The shelters in Tijuana that care for the migrant population are now in a state of emergency, severely overcrowded due... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, Oct. 12, 2016.

What's behind Pope Francis' meeting with the Palestinian president

Jan 11, 2017

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis' private audience with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas this Jan. 14 will be a delicate diplomatic moment for the... Read more

Ken Hackett, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in Rome on Jan. 23, 2014.

Vatican ambassador predicts Trump will drop campaign rhetoric

Jan 11, 2017

By Elise Harris

Ken Hackett is preparing to wrap up his term as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See as Donald Trump's presidential... Read more

Dylann Roof mugshot.

Pray for Dylann Roof's victims – and his conversion, S.C. bishop says

Jan 11, 2017

The death sentence announced this week for mass murderer Dylann Roof prompted the local Catholic bishop to call for prayer,... Read more