IMAGE: CNS photo/Eloisa Lopez, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an effort to stem the pandemic of COVID-19, bishops’ conferences and dioceses around the world began suspending public Masses. The measures were designed to "flatten the curve," an effort to ease the burden on the health care system so treatment …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Victor Aleman, Angelus News By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Acknowledging the fragility of human life because of the coronavirus, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, shared a prayer for people who are ill with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, papal vicar of Rome, said he spoke to Pope Francis March 12 before ordering the closure of all churches in Rome because of the coronavirus pandemic; the next day, he said he spoke to the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Sergio Agazzi, IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM via Reuters By Carol Glatz ROME (CNS) — In a nation where the faithful are not allowed to assemble for Mass, one church in northern Italy is full. The Church of All Saints in Bergamo — located in a cemetery in Italy’s hardest-hit Lombardy region …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — President Donald Trump may be as divisive to religionists as he seems to be to other groups in American society, as indicated by the latest Pew Research Center survey. "We’re seeing a big divide between white Christian and minority Christians …

IMAGE: CNS graphic/Lucy Barco, The Catholic Register By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Acknowledging how difficult it can be to adapt to restrictive measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, Pope Francis told people watching his morning Mass March 12 that it was for "our own good." After …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis asked people to pray for government officials and leaders who are tasked with making critical decisions and taking drastic measures that may make people unhappy. Each day at his livestreamed morning Mass, the pope has been dedicating …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the coronavirus pandemic gripping the world highlights the frailty of human life, it is also an opportunity for people to unite in solidarity, a Vatican official said. "For each person, believer or nonbeliever, this is a good …

IMAGE: CNS illustration/courtesy Diocese of Dallas By WASHINGTON (CNS) — "How to hand-wash Catholic style" reads the headline on an informational graphic from the Diocese of Dallas. It suggests Catholics say the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be as they follow the protocol for hand-washing being recommended around the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Colleen Rowan, The Catholic Spirit By Colleen Rowan WHEELING, W.Va. (CNS) — Expanding the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Safe Environment Program, Bishop Mark E. Brennan is requiring additional protocols to increase safety and reduce risk of sexual abuse in Catholic schools and parishes. In a Feb. 20 letter to …