CNA/EWTN News The Venezuelan bishops last week warned that marriage and families in their nation will be weakened as a result of a court decision ruling that spouses can divorce without any evidence of wrongdoing on either’s part. “The theoretical basis for the ruling signals a jurisprudence that can dismantle …

By Valerie Schmalz Catholic News Service  SAN FRANCISCO — A video released July 14 appears to show a top Planned Parenthood official discussing the sale of parts of aborted babies for research, including discussing ways the abortion procedure can be altered to preserve specifically requested body parts. The nearly nine-minute edited video …

By Catholic News Service DENVER — The Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious entities are not substantially burdened by procedures set out by the federal government by which they can avoid a requirement to provide contraceptive coverage in health insurance, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled July …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM PARAGUAY — Before arriving in the United States in September, Pope Francis said, he will study American criticisms of his critiques of the global economy and finance. “I have heard that some criticisms were made in the United States — I’ve …

Staff Report In honor of Pope Francis, who is in the midst of a July 5-12 visit to Latin America, we almost renamed this Friday Photo feature, “Fun Hat Friday.” There’s a long history of papal headwear. Many years ago, popes wore a tiara. Francis and past pontiffs frequently wear a …

By Matt Hadro CNA/EWTN News After the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, some county clerks have voiced religious objections to issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Does legal protection for them exist? “Frankly, there’s no reason why they [the clerks] should have to resign,” Ken Connelly, legal counsel for the …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  LA PAZ, Bolivia — Praising Bolivia’s efforts to include all its citizens in the country’s economic, political and social life, Pope Francis also defended the record and the right of the Catholic Church to be an active member of society and the right of the bishops …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — Even if a pastoral proposal for helping a Catholic family with problems seems scandalous at first, it is possible God could use that proposal to bring healing and holiness, Pope Francis said. Encouraging and celebrating family life during a Mass July 6 in …

By Julie Asher Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON — Religious freedom is “the human right that guarantees all other rights,” Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski said July 4 in his homily at the closing Mass of the U.S. bishops’ fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom. That right “has its foundation in the very …

By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — In a June 29 order, the Supreme Court continued to shield several Pennsylvania religious institutions from having to provide employees with health care coverage that includes contraceptives. The order in a case filed by the bishops and the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Erie, …