IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Roughly half of the Vatican’s 110 acres is devoted to gardens, and a major project is underway to keep them as “green” as possible. It’s not about watering the plants, although that was a big concern this year with a …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Acknowledging how often the Catholic Church failed to protect children from sexual abuse, Pope Francis pledged “to work strenuously and with foresight for the protection of minors and their dignity,” including online. “As all of us know, in recent years …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Acknowledging how often the Catholic Church failed to protect children from sexual abuse, Pope Francis pledged “to work strenuously and with foresight for the protection of minors and their dignity,” including online. “As all of us know, in recent years the church has …

US Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) introduced a version of a “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” that would restrict most abortions after the 20th week of gestation yesterday. In a press conference broadcast on YouTube, he said, “I assure every pro-lifer out there that it will be on the [Senate] floor …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While societies must find a way to overcome the subjugation of women, pretending there are no differences between men and women or even using technology to change a person’s sex is not the answer, Pope Francis said. Using science …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis had been lecturing about politics lately, reminding people that it is a noble calling, but one that may require a politician to compromise or set aside some of his or her goals for the good of their whole …

By Matthew Fowler VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The importance of the Bible in the life of Christians can be seen in the number of faithful around the world who risk prison and persecution just to possess and read the Bible, Pope Francis said. “Many of our brothers and sisters are …

By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer — a white stucco church just off the Las Vegas Strip and dwarfed by giant hotels, casinos and flashing neon lights — has long been a spiritual oasis for tourists. The church, with a statue of Jesus, …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has invited Christian and non-Christian young people from around the world to a meeting in preparation for the Synod of Bishops on youth in 2018. Before concluding his weekly general audience, the pope said the March 19-24, 2018, pre-synod meeting …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Real hope lies in the proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, not just with one’s words but also in deeds, Pope Francis said. Christians are called to be witnesses of the resurrection through “their way of welcoming, smiling and …