MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Authorities announced that at least 24 “penitents” are expected to be nailed on the cross on Good Friday, an annual ritual meant to atone for sins and give thanks to God for blessings. But the country’s Catholic bishops warned the faithful against resorting to extreme forms …

By Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here are excerpts of statements from U.S. Catholic and other religious leaders released in reaction to Pope Benedict XVI’s Feb. 11 announcement that he is resigning, effective Feb. 28: — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles: “Pope Benedict XVI has truly been …

By Sister Victoria Vondenberger  On Aug. 4, the Sisters of Mercy welcomed Phuong (pronounced “Fong”) Mai Dong as a candidate for the Mercy South Central Community. About 60 Mercy Sisters, Associates and some of her family members attended the prayer service in Cincinnati at McAuley Convent. Phuong, 22, is a …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a special appeal against HIV and AIDS, Pope Benedict XVI called for special attention to those unable to afford life-saving drugs, especially pregnant and nursing women affected by the disease. The pope, speaking before World AIDS Day Dec. 1, …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a special appeal against HIV and AIDS, Pope Benedict XVI called for special attention to those unable to afford life-saving drugs, especially pregnant and nursing women affected by the disease. The pope, speaking before World AIDS Day Dec. 1, …

October 24, 2012 Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The world’s huge technological and scientific progress hasn’t always made people freer or happier, Pope Benedict XVI said.  

October 15, 2012 Catholic News Service ROME — As a reminder that the early popes were elected by the pastors of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI – like his predecessors – assigns each new cardinal to serve as honorary pastor of one of the city’s churches.  

October 12, 2012 Catholic News Service SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Year of Faith officially kicked off Oct. 11, and now there’s an app for that!

October 5, 2012 Catholic News Service LORETO, Italy — During a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto, Pope Benedict XVI formally entrusted to Mary the world Synod of Bishops and the Year of Faith.  

October 3, 2012 Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A 49-year-old Italian man protesting the economic policies of Italy and Europe scaled a fence on top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 2 and remained there the next day as some 20,000 people listened to Pope Benedict XVI …