By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  RIO DE JANEIRO — Krakow, Poland, will be the site of the next World Youth Day, in 2016. Pope Francis made the announcement shortly after celebrating the final Mass of this year’s World Youth Day before a crowd of more than 3 million …

By Catholic News Service The legalization of gay marriage cannot change Christian teaching on sexual morality, and the Catholic Church cannot accept marriages of same-sex couples, the bishops of England and Wales said in a document that was to be distributed in parishes July 27-28. Catholics must “accept their calling” …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Pope Francis is the most influential world leader on Twitter, with the highest number of retweets worldwide. He also is the second most-followed leader of the world, running behind — albeit by a long stretch — U.S. President Barack Obama.

Press Release DAYTON, Ohio — An unusual procession dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, will travel from a hill high on the University of Dayton campus to its heart during a “Rosary Rally.”

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service APARECIDA, Brazil — Comfortable in the presence of Mary and at a shrine that symbolizes one of his most important experiences as a member of the Latin American bishops’ council, Pope Francis kicked off five days of intense activity with an act of devotion. …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — Hundreds of thousands of cheering people welcomed Pope Francis to Brazil July 22 as he made the first international trip of his pontificate to his native region of Latin America. The papal plane touched down at Rio’s international …

Staff Report St. Vivian Catholic church will host ‘Dismas Journey: A Dialogue on Reentry, Opportunity, and Justice’ from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday July 25. Attendees will be asked the following questions: Can Ohio build a more redemptive criminal justice system?  How can Cincinnati’s Catholic community provide for more …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — Pope Francis arrived in Brazil July 22, making the first international trip of his pontificate to his native region of Latin America. The papal flight touched down at Rio’s Galateo-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport at 3:43 p.m. local …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis paid a personal visit to retired Pope Benedict XVI, informing him about the final details for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and asking him to pray for Pope Francis and for the pilgrims who will gather …

Staff Report Roger Bacon High School maintains the only high school underwater hockey program in the country, and the Spartans sent a varsity and junior varsity squad to compete in the USA Underwater Hockey 2013 U.S. National Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to its official rules, “underwater hockey is a …