IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Ginny Blasi By David Karas TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) — Superstorm Sandy-weary diocesan and parish officials lauded a Federal Emergency Management Agency policy change announced earlier this year that reverses a prior exclusion for religious organizations and houses of worship from applying for federal aid to recover from …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Warner Bros. By Denis Grasska SAN DIEGO (CNS) — It’s almost a miracle that Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone are even alive. Yet here they are, promoting a major Hollywood film in which they portray themselves. For all three, faith is an essential part of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Acts of love, courage and sacrifice by first responders, parents and children alike are hallmarks of a country that is rooted in prayer and deep faith in God, President Donald Trump told the National Prayer Breakfast. The president held …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic advocates visited Capitol Hill Feb. 6 hoping members of Congress were ready to listen to their push for a federal budget that makes the needs of poor and vulnerable people a priority. Coming at the end of the annual …

By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — The president of the German bishops’ conference urged priests to provide better pastoral care to Catholics who are homosexual, but he said, “I think that would not be right” when asked if he could imagine the Catholic Church blessing gay couples. The German bishops’ …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “I am on a pilgrimage toward Home,” retired Pope Benedict XVI wrote, capitalizing the Italian word “casa” or “home.” Almost exactly five years after announcing his intention to be the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, Pope Benedict …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholics should use the season of Lent to look for signs and symptoms of being under the spell of false prophets and of living with cold, selfish and hateful hearts, Pope Francis said. Together with “the often bitter medicine of the truth,” the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With so many direct attacks on human life, from abortion to war, Pope Francis said he is worried that so few people are involved in pro-life activities. Reciting the Angelus prayer at the Vatican Feb. 4, Pope Francis …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Chaz Muth By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The nationwide flu outbreak has prompted dioceses to take steps to suspend traditional rituals to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. From encouraging a simple nod or a smile during the sign of peace to draining holy water …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For the first time, the International Olympic Committee has invited a Vatican delegation not only to take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Games, but also to attend its general meeting as an official observer. The delegation was to be led …