Catholic Church

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A plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

European Parliament backs ‘extreme’ abortion report despite protests

Jun 24, 2021

By CNA Staff

The report describes abortion as “essential healthcare” and seeks to redefine conscientious objection as a “denial of medical care.” Read more

Bishop Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German bishops’ conference, meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican, June 24, 2021.

Pope Francis encourages us to continue on ‘Synodal Way,’ says German bishops’ leader after audience

Jun 24, 2021

By CNA Staff

Bishop Bätzing said he “made it clear that the rumors that the Church in Germany wants to go its own... Read more

Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament.

Adoration is like radiotherapy for our sinfulness, says Vatican’s new liturgy chief

Jun 24, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Archbishop Arthur Roche said he was optimistic about people returning to Mass after the pandemic. Read more

The flag of Mali.

Kidnappers free Catholic priest and four others in Mali

Jun 24, 2021

By CNA Staff

Gunmen released Fr. Léon Douyon 72 hours after seizing him. Read more

Teachers protest in Hpa-An, the capital of Karen State, Burma, on Feb. 9, 2021. Credit: Ninjastrikers (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Catholic missionary priest: ‘This is the hour of confession of faith’ for Church in Myanmar

Jun 23, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Burmese protesters are facing a “nightmare of repression and violence,” the priest said. Read more

Pope Francis warns against preachers who sow division online

Jun 23, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The pope said that these “new preachers” can be recognized by their “rigidity.” Read more

Mattia Villardita, a 28-year-old Italian who dresses up as Spider-Man, attends the general audience at the Vatican, June 23, 2021.

Why was Spider-Man at Pope Francis’ general audience?

Jun 23, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The man who met the pope dressed as a superhero has a remarkable story of his own. Read more

The flag of Mali.

Catholic priest among five people kidnapped in Mali

Jun 23, 2021

By CNA Staff

Fr. Léon Douyon was abducted by gunmen on June 21. Read more

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, president of the Polish bishops’ conference, pictured in Warsaw Feb. 12, 2020.

Polish Catholic archbishop urges European Parliament to reject abortion report

Jun 23, 2021

By CNA Staff

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki made the appeal on the eve of a crucial vote. Read more

Fr. Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves.

Vatican economy secretariat issues regulations on new norms for awarding public contracts

Jun 22, 2021

By CNA Staff

The new regulations “apply to all purchases of services, supplies, and works.” Read more

Fr. Pierre Najm presents Pope Francis with a crucifix made from debris left by the Beirut port explosion.

Pope Francis receives crucifix made from wood salvaged after Beirut blast

Jun 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The blast killed nearly 200 people and injured 600 others. Read more

A view of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, Feb. 14, 2015.

Cardinal clarifies exceptions to ban on private Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica

Jun 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti said that requests from groups “with particular and legitimate needs” may be allowed. Read more

Pope Francis visits the San Raffaele Borona assisted living home in Rieti, Italy, Oct. 4, 2016.

Pope Francis to elderly: The Church needs your prayers like ‘a deep breath’

Jun 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The pope released a message ahead of the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Read more

Fr. Andrew Small, O.M.I.

Pope Francis names new secretary of Vatican safeguarding commission

Jun 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Andrew Small succeeds Msgr. Robert Oliver as secretary for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Read more

Bishop George A. Sheltz.

Pope Francis accepts resignation of 75-year-old auxiliary bishop in Texas

Jun 22, 2021

By CNA Staff

Bishop George A. Sheltz has served as an auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston since 2012. Read more

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican secretary for relations with states.

Vatican intervenes in proposed ‘anti-homophobia’ law in Italy

Jun 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican believes that the law would violate the freedom of the Catholic Church in Italy. Read more

Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta.

Argentine Bishop Zanchetta ends Vatican job at APSA

Jun 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

A source said that the bishop finished his service around 10 or more days ago. Read more

The Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, which houses the meeting room of the UN Human Rights Council.

UN experts’ letter to Vatican has ‘no real teeth,’ says Church official

Jun 21, 2021

By CNA Staff

The letter accused the Holy See of engaging in “obstructive practices” related to abuse. Read more

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, shortly after his elevation to cardinal, Nov. 19, 2016.

Cardinal Tobin appointed member of Vatican’s highest court

Jun 21, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis 12 new members of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura Read more