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National & World News
Pope Francis says that he wants to be buried in Marian basilica in new interview
By Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Dec 13, 2023 / 10:10 am Pope Francis has said that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome because of his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a new interview broadcast on the Mexican television program “N+” on …
Catholic survey shows ‘shocking’ impact of church closures during COVID pandemic
By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Dec 12, 2023 / 14:00 pm A survey released this month by a British Catholic organization demonstrates what the group says were the “shocking” effects of COVID-19-related church closures in that country. Catholic Union, a lay organization that bills itself as “dedicated to the defense of …
Why Sweden honors St. Lucy, a beloved Italian saint
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 13, 2023 / 04:45 am St. Lucy’s Day, also known as Lucia Day, is a traditional Swedish celebration filled with children in costumes, elaborate processions, and Swedish treats — all honoring the beloved saint. St. Lucy, whose feast day is celebrated by the Catholic …
Vatican: Small part of cremated ashes can be kept in personal place in certain cases
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 12, 2023 / 11:36 am Under certain circumstances, it may be permissible for a Catholic to keep a small portion of a deceased loved one’s ashes in a personal place of significance if some conditions are met, according to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the …
U.S. shrine re-creates Our Lady of Guadalupe apparition with giant sculptures
by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 12, 2022 / 14:30 pm A Catholic shrine is re-creating “Tepeyac Hill” — where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared nearly 500 years ago to St. Juan Diego — in the United States. The new hill, located in Oklahoma City, was dedicated Sunday in …
Fact or fiction? Nine popular myths about Our Lady of Guadalupe
by David Ramos Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 10, 2021 / 08:00 am In the 500 years since Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, the image of Our Lady has become the subject of several popular myths and legends, especially in Mexico, where she appeared. Fr. Eduardo Chávez was the postulator for …
Pope Francis appoints Brazilian native as Boston’s new auxiliary bishop
By Jonathan Liedl CNA Staff, Dec 9, 2023 / 10:26 am Pope Francis has appointed a priest born and ordained in Brazil to serve as the next auxiliary bishop of Boston, the Vatican announced on Saturday. Father Cristiano G. Borro Barbosa, 47, will join Cardinal Seán O’Malley and four other auxiliaries …
Hard-living Irish musician Shane MacGowan received last rites before he died, family says
By Matt McDonald CNA Newsroom, Dec 1, 2023 / 14:15 pm Irish songwriter and former Pogues lead singer Shane MacGowan received last rites before he died Thursday, his family said. “Prayers and the last rites were read during his passing,” the family said in a written statement Nov. 30. MacGowan, 65, is best …
Italy’s ‘most handsome man’ leaves modeling career to become a priest
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 7, 2023 / 18:10 pm Young Edoardo Santini, considered “the most handsome man in Italy,” has decided to leave his promising career as a model and enter a seminary to become a priest. Dancer, swimmer, actor — these were a few of the dreams …
FBI director grilled after release of new report on targeting of Catholics
by Tyler Arnold, Joe Bukuras Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 6, 2023 / 17:35 pm Sen. Josh Hawley engaged in a tense exchange with FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday after the release of the report that found the agency’s investigation into traditional Catholics may be more expansive than FBI officials have …