By Kevin Jones CNA/EWTN News NEW ORLEANS, La. — Aiming to provide uniform spiritual and social support for engaged couples, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has made several changes to its marriage preparation process. “It’s such a beautiful way for parishes to serve the people who are approaching marriage,” said Father Garrett …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The ongoing effort to reorganize the Roman Curia has not left a void in the responsibilities of the various offices and even less in the rules governing hiring, transfers and compensation of employees, Pope Francis said. In a letter to Cardinal Pietro …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paramount Pictures By John Mulderig WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — The Polish bishop overseeing preparations for World Youth Day 2016 has urged priests to ensure that no young people are excluded because of poverty. Auxiliary Bishop Damian Muskus of Krakow, Poland, which is hosting the international celebration, said arranging …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The presidents of the U.S. and Canadian bishops’ conferences joined leaders of the regional bishops’ conferences of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Europe in signing an appeal for government leaders to reach a “fair, legally binding and truly transformational …

By Robert Duncan & Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Australian Cardinal George Pell said the final report of the Synod of Bishops on the family did not create an opening for the divorced and civilly remarried to receive Communion. Other synod members took a different view and acknowledged that the paragraph …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — As disciples, Christians are called to imitate Jesus’ heart and lead others directly to him, without lecturing them, Pope Francis said. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct.25 for the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops. The Mass concluded …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Several hours before the final report of the Synod of Bishops was put to a vote, two U.S. bishops said that what is new is not the church’s message, but the synod’s emphasis and attitude toward the role of the family …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service While not specifically mentioning the controversial proposal of a path toward full reconciliation and Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried, members of the Synod of Bishops on the family handed Pope Francis a report emphasizing an obligation to recognize that not all Catholics in …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced he is establishing a new office for laity, family and life, which combines the responsibilities of two pontifical councils. The pope made the announcement Oct. 22 during the afternoon session of the Synod of Bishops on the …

CNA/EWTN News Pope Francis’ visit to the United States has given a boost to Americans’ stated support for the pro-life cause, the results of a survey conducted this month suggest. About 62 percent of Americans voiced support for life at every stage of its development, including the unborn, according to …