IMAGE: CNS By DETROIT (CNS) — Blessed Solanus Casey always said that “as long as there is a spark of faith,” there can be no discouragement or sorrow, said Cardinal Angelo Amato, head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes. His words were accompanied by “the concrete practice of faith, …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Hey, Smithsonian, there’s a new kid on the block. It’s the Museum of the Bible, just a few blocks from the National Mall in Washington. With its opening to the public Nov. 18, it will tell visitors how the Bible …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Luong Thai Linh, Pool via Reuters By HONG KONG (CNS) — Officials in China’s eastern Jiangxi province have replaced religious images displayed by Christian families with portraits of the country’s leader, Xi Jinping. Ucanews.com reported that, on Nov. 12, pictures were uploaded to the popular social messaging service …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People who are dying must be accompanied with the love of family members and the care of medical professionals, but there is no requirement that every means available must be used to prolong their lives, Pope Francis said. “Even if we know that …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Wolfgang Rattay, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Denial or indifference when it comes to climate change will not help further honest research or facilitate finding adequate solutions, Pope Francis told government leaders attending a meeting on implementing the Paris accord. Ratified by 170 nations, the …

IMAGE: CNS/Robert Duncan By Matthew Fowler VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A seminary is not typically known for its emphasis on physical activity and fitness, but many seminarians see it as an integral part of daily life. Andrew Auer, Joseph Caraway and his cousin, Michael Caraway, are just a few of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann BALTIMORE (CNS) — Almost two months after the devastating winds and rains of Hurricane Maria pummeled the island of Puerto Rico, there is still no clear path to recovery. Although some power and phone service have been restored and relief supplies are slowly …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Abir Abdullah, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the ongoing crisis of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar for Bangladesh will draw much attention during Pope Francis’ visit to the two countries in late November, the pope also is expected to focus on interreligious dialogue, poverty and …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While a Lamborghini would make a stylish popemobile, Pope Francis has decided to auction off the one he was given by the Italian automaker to aid several charities close to his heart. The pope was presented with a one-of-a-kind …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mass is the highest form of prayer and not an appropriate moment for small talk, Pope Francis said. At church, Catholics should spend their time in silence before Mass, preparing “to meet with Jesus” instead of engaging in “chitchat,” the pope said …