By Junno Arocho Esteves SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) — Pope Francis, in his first formal speech in Chile, asked forgiveness from those who were sexually abused by priests. Addressing government authorities and members of the country’s diplomatic corps Jan. 16, the pope expressed his “pain and shame at the irreparable damage …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) — Pope Francis arrived in Santiago, the first stop on a seven-day, six-city visit to Peru and Chile, where he will take his message of hope to people on the margins of society. Arriving in Santiago after more than 15 …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Being afraid and concerned about the impact of migration is not a sin, Pope Francis said, but it is a sin to let those fears lead to a refusal to help people in need. “The sin is to allow these …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Beth Griffin NEW YORK (CNS) — Catholics have a responsibility to look past the noisy rhetoric of the current debate on immigration and answer the “cry of the poor” by engaging with individuals facing deportation. That was the focus of a National Migration Week …

IMAGE: CNS/Bob Roller By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In its continuing coverage of the U.S. immigration debate, the Vatican newspaper noted media reports that President Donald Trump “used particularly harsh and offensive words about immigrants” from several countries. “No agreement on Dreamers” was the headline on the lead …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Dan Russo, The Witness By Dan Russo DUBUQUE, Iowa (CNS) — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is preparing to end its refugee resettlement program after 77 years in operation. The primary reason the program is closing down is because the numbers of refugees are down. The …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Pope Francis embarks on his fourth visit to South America, he will face the enormous task of restoring trust and encouraging healing after scandals in both countries left many wounded and angry at the Catholic Church. Pope Francis planned the trip …

IMAGE: REUTERS By LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Congress must separate “the conversation about DACA” from the “larger issues” about U.S. immigration policy, because allowing the program to expire will lead “to a humanitarian crisis,” especially in Los Angeles, said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. “As a nation, we have a moral …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The silence that precedes the opening prayer at Mass is an opportunity for Christians to commend to God the fate of the church and the world, Pope Francis said. Departing from his prepared text at his weekly general audience …

IMAGE: CNS photo/John Blaine By Mary Stadnyk and Rich Fisher HOLMDEL, N.J. (CNS) — Students at St. John Vianney High School expected their recent pep rally to be fun, colorful and filled with good-natured competition. But they were completely taken by surprise during the pre-Christmas celebration when six priests ran …