Latest Catholic News

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville takes part in a press conference at the USCCB's Fall General Assembly in Baltimore on Nov. 12, 2013.

US bishops' head supports Vatican anti-abuse commission

Dec 8, 2013

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, has welcomed Pope Francis’ new commission to fight the sexual... Read more

Pope Francis lays flowers at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Lujan on May 8, 2013.

On Marian feast, Pope Francis prays for holiness

Dec 8, 2013

On a day dedicated to celebrating the Mother of God, Pope Francis made a special trip in Rome to pray... Read more

Pope Francis touches a statue of Our Lady of Fatima at an Oct. 12 vigil in St. Peter's Square.

Pope says Mary's whole existence is 'yes' to God

Dec 8, 2013

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis focused his Sunday Angelus message on the importance of Mary as... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square before the General Audience, May 22, 2013.

Children at 'Pope's Hospital' counting down to pontiff's Christmas visit

Dec 8, 2013

The children at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Rome – known locally as the “Pope's Hospital” – are enthusiastic... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square Oct. 2.

Pope says caring for sick brings 'the smile of God'

Dec 7, 2013

Pope Francis released his message for the World Day of the Sick Dec. 7, emphasizing the important role of hope... Read more

Reforms aim to show 'true face of the Church,' says Vatican official

Dec 7, 2013

Pope Francis’ style and ongoing reforms are intended to encourage Catholics to be more missionary, in order to bring the... Read more

Pope Francis meets with members of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute on Dec. 7, 2013.

Pope: Neglect of human dignity causes 'practical atheism'

Dec 7, 2013

On Saturday afternoon Pope Francis met with members of an international organization that promotes human dignity, warning them against a... Read more

Ex-South African President Nelson Mandela in London, England August 29, 2007.

Catholic leaders recall Mandela's complicated legacy

Dec 7, 2013

Church leaders in the United States offered prayers for the late Nelson Mandela, remembering both his courageous anti-apartheid leadership and... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square Dec. 4.

Pope says early Christians a model for 'digital age' Church

Dec 7, 2013

Today Pope Francis met with members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity who had gathered to discuss the theme,... Read more

Pres Barack Obama with HHS Sec Kathleen Sebelius announce the contraceptive mandate at the White House, Jan. 12, 2012. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

DC health plans accused of illegally funding abortion

Dec 7, 2013

The Obama administration is being accused of violating federal law by directing members of Congress and congressional staff to over... Read more

   Fr. Edward T. Oakes, S.J. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus.

Jesuit theologian remembered for scholarship, joyfulness

Dec 6, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

Catholic theologian and professor Father Edward T. Oakes, S.J. died in St. Louis Dec. 6, prompting his colleagues to remember... Read more

Archbishop Joseph Spiteri (c) says Mass with Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith (r), Dec. 2, 2013.

Sri Lankan Catholics bid farewell to former apostolic nuncio

Dec 6, 2013

The bishops, priests, and religious of Sri Lanka celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving Dec. 2 to show appreciation for their... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

Vatican group for minors' protection may work with Jesuit center

Dec 6, 2013

The Church's latest step toward the prevention of the sexual abuse of minors is the newly-announced Vatican commission, which is... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Dec. 4, 2013.

Pope Francis lauds Mandela's creation of a 'new South Africa'

Dec 6, 2013

By Elise Harris

After the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis issued a letter offering condolences to his family... Read more

Nelson Mandela greets Pope John Paul II on his arrival at the airport in Johannesburg on September 16, 1995.

Mandela’s legacy is one of 'reconciliation,' priest says

Dec 6, 2013

By Elise Harris

In wake of the passing of Nelson Mandela, spokesman for South Africa’s Episcopal Conference lauded his political achievements, stating that... Read more

The Deposition of Christ by Caravaggio, circa 1600-1604.

Book on Vatican art walks a course of spiritual exercises

Dec 6, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

The director of the Vatican Museums' art patrons program has authored “Meditations on Vatican Art,” a collection of images of... Read more

Mary Undoer of Knots card.

Over 10,000 youth to send birthday card to Pope Francis

Dec 6, 2013

More than 10,000 young people have signed a giant birthday card for Pope Francis, offering their prayers and well-wishes for... Read more

Asian bishops' federation's 2013 biblical seminar in Thailand.

Asian bishops encourage biblically-based apostolates

Dec 6, 2013

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences is hosting a seminar on biblical apostolates and the new evangelization this weekend, drawing... Read more

Legion of Christ reaffirms commitment to addressing sex abuse

Dec 5, 2013

The acting general director of the Legion of Christ has shared the steps the order has taken to prevent sexual... Read more

Anti-Christian slogans on Saint Cyril Church in Cairo, Aug. 2013.

Amid persecution, Christianity growing in 'Global South'

Dec 5, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

Researchers say the Christian population is growing in regions that experience anti-Christian persecution, though this threatens their ability to contribute... Read more