IMAGE: CNS photo/Dai Kurokawa, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “Jesus wept.” Pope Francis opened his morning homily with those words as he spoke about the wars and violence engulfing numerous parts of the world. The Gospel reading for Nov. 19 began, “As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Dai Kurokawa, EPA By Mike O’Maera NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) — A Kenyan bishop said the church is comfortable with the security preparations for the reception of Pope Francis, in the wake of the Paris attacks that appear to have targeted crowded areas. “The church and the Kenyan government …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Nancy Frazier O’Brien BALTIMORE (CNS) — A proposed national collection does not usually receive a chorus of praise from bishops, but a cardinal’s request for financial aid in decorating the central dome of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops approved a statement on pornography on the second day of their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore. “Producing or using pornography is gravely wrong. It is a mortal sin if it is committed with full knowledge …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Sedat Suna, EPA By BALTIMORE (CNS) — The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration said he was disturbed by calls from federal and state officials for an end to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. “These refugees are fleeing terror themselves — violence …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Christmas tree and Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will be set up and unveiled earlier than usual this year to be ready for the opening of the Year of Mercy. In preparation for the extraordinary event, which begins …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski BALTIMORE (CNS) — From entering a diocesan Holy Door to undertaking the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, Catholics can model a compassionate life during the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Because God always keeps open the door of his mercy and offer of salvation to everyone, the doors of every church and every Christian heart must never be closed to others, Pope Francis said. All over the world, individual Christians …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski BALTIMORE (CNS) — The U.S. bishops Nov. 17 elected Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield as the new general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has been associate general secretary of the conference for five years, working alongside the current general secretary, …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ calendar of Masses and prayer services for December and January are a combination of annual Advent and Christmas celebrations and added events for the beginning of the Year of Mercy. In St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 8, the feast …