Pope offers prayers for Trump as he becomes 45th U.S. president
IMAGE: CNS photo/Carlos Barria, Reuters By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis sent best wishes and prayers to incoming President Donald J. Trump shortly after he took the oath of office. “I offer you my cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that almighty God will grant you …
Meeting pope, Irish prelates discuss ministry of bishop, abuse scandal
IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Telling the bishops of Ireland that he wanted to hear their questions, concerns and even criticisms, Pope Francis spent almost two hours in conversation with them. In the continuing evolution of the “ad limina” visits bishops are required to make …
Archbishop Gomez emphasizes dignity of immigrants on eve of inauguration
IMAGE: CNS photo/J.D. Long-Garcia, The Tidings By J.D. Long-Garcia LOS ANGELES (CNS) — On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez renewed the call to recognize the humanity of immigrants at a Vatican-sponsored migration conference at the University of California in Los …
2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal: Provide a Path of Hope
The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is a once-a-year outreach, when all our parishes, more than 200 strong, join together to support these ministries, doing more than one parish could alone. Whether you’re a long time supporter … or considering a gift for the first time… we ask you to learn …
God’s forgiveness is call to sin no more, pope says
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God forgives and forgets the faults of repentant sinners, unless they keep reminding him of their errors by pretending they have no need to change, Pope Francis said. The new covenant in Jesus Christ, the new relationship God wants to establish with each …
9 Days for Life is an annual period of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life.
Surrounding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children*, the overarching intention of the centerpiece novena is the end to abortion. However, the novena also highlights many other facets of respecting each other’s God-given dignity, especially by respecting human life at every stage and in every circumstance. …
Though snubbed by Women’s March, pro-life groups will still participate
By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Like many concerned about what Donald Trump has said about women and his various and changing positions on abortion, Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa decided she wanted to take part in the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington, protesting the new president on the day …
Bishops visiting Holy Land: Christians must oppose Israeli settlements
IMAGE: CNS photo/Marcin Mazur, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales By JERUSALEM (CNS) — Christians have a responsibility to oppose the construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, said bishops from the U.S., Canada and Europe. “This de facto annexation of land not only undermines the rights of Palestinians in …
The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Robert Duncan VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a craftsman’s workshop on the edge of Rome’s Campo Verano cemetery, two designers are working to revive what they see as a dying art: burial. Unlike the masons who make the cemetery’s gravestones and memorials, Anna Citelli and Raoul …
Pope: Catholics, Lutherans must continue to seek common ground
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although great strides have been made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Lutherans must continue to work toward becoming a full and visible sign of unity for the world, Pope Francis said. A continued “communion of harmony” will allow Catholics …