By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although great strides have been made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Lutherans must continue to work toward becoming a full and visible sign of unity for the world, Pope Francis said. A continued “communion of harmony” will allow Catholics …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Bachman, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic policy committee said Jan. 18 that a repeal of the federal health care law should not take place without immediate passage of a plan that preserves people’s access to adequate health care and also …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mike Nelson By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Acknowledging the fear some immigrants have expressed as Donald Trump becomes president, Jesuit parishes, schools and other communities plan to pray for those who fear him and his proposals on the eve of his Jan. 20 inauguration as the country’s …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Prayer has the power to awaken hope in men and women, even in the face of death and destruction, Pope Francis said. People often feel unworthy to turn to God when they are in need “as if it were …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Anna Capizzi NEW YORK (CNS) — This year’s New York Encounter drew a crowd of 10,000 for a three-day cultural gathering of presentations, exhibits and performances centered on the theme “Reality has never betrayed me.” What struck first-time participant Giovanna Maiello was the “bridge …

IMAGE: CNS/Maria Grazia Picciarella, pool By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican confirmed its trust in the papal commission investigating the forced resignation of the Order of Malta’s former grand chancellor following a letter by the order’s grand master to discredit the group. In a statement released …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Being a real Christian does not mean being a saint, but giving witness to Jesus in word and, especially, deed, Pope Francis told members of a parish on the eastern edge of Rome. Spending more than three hours Jan. 15 at …

IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Pope Francis for his support of the country’s new embassy to the Holy See. “This is a sign that the pope loves the Palestinian people and loves peace,” Abbas told the pope Jan. 14 before …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Jonathan Luxmoore OXFORD, England (CNS) — Catholic and Orthodox leaders have pledged to stand together against fundamentalism and terrorism, as well as resisting forces working to erode and destroy religious belief in Europe. “Terrorist violence against people considered unbelievers or infidels is the extreme degree of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Lucas Jackson, Reuters By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic panelists gathered to discuss “Faithful Priorities in a Time of Trump” said it is difficult to get over some of the words the president-elect said during the campaign — and even before he was a candidate. But as …