Pope approves new financial regulations for sainthood causes
IMAGE: CNS photo/Ettore Ferrari, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to ensure greater financial transparency and accountability, Pope Francis approved new regulations governing the financial contributions given for sainthood causes, the Vatican announced. The new “norms on the administration of goods of the causes …
Father Simone pleads guilty to theft, plea deal includes jail time
Father Earl F. Simone, former pastor of St. Peter Church in Huber Heights, pleaded guilty Thursday, March 10 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court to a charge of aggravated theft from the parish. The investigation into financial irregularities at the parish was initiated by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati after receiving an …
Holy Year brings more people to confessionals in St. Peter’s Basilica
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The number of people going to confession in St. Peter’s Basilica increased noticeably in the first months of Year of Mercy, but not among English-speakers, who apparently are staying away from Europe out of fear of terrorism, said the …
Throwback Thursday: Role of women in church examined in 1975
The United Nations dubbed 1975 as International Women’s Year and ever since March 8 has been celebrated as International Women’s Day. March is also Women’s History Month in the United States. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati celebrates the achievement of women throughout the church to this day, and took note of …
Students’ speaking invitation to Planned Parenthood CEO draws criticism
By Richard Szczepanowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Washington has criticized a Georgetown University student group’s invitation to the president of Planned Parenthood to speak on campus. In a statement, the archdiocese said the issue is not about free speech because “lacking in this choice by the student group …
Catholic silence on involvement in Middle East called ‘massive failure’
IMAGE: (CNS photo/Mohammed Badra, EPA By Beth Griffin NEW YORK (CNS) — “The most massive failure of the Catholic community at all levels in the past 20 years has been to address the question of our ongoing involvement in the Middle East,” according to San Diego Bishop Robert W. McElroy. …
Catholic priest charged with aggravated theft
UPDATE: Father Simone plead guilty to the charge on Thursday, March 10. For the full story, click HERE. A bill of information filed on the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts website today shows Father Earl Simone, a retired priest who served more than 20 years as pastor of St. Peter’s …
Preacher to Curia: Christians wounded by clerical greed, pedophilia
IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The sexual abuse of minors and greed by members of the clergy have left Christians wounded, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican officials during their Lenten retreat. “Pedophilia and the attachment to money are the …
Doing the heavy lifting: Women leaders share their stories at Vatican event
IMAGE: CNS photo/Garry Lotulung, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the heart of Vatican City, dozens of women from around the world gathered to share their stories of faith and activism. A few men were in attendance, but Pope Francis and top members of the Roman Curia …
Birmingham conference examines depth of black-white divide in U.S.
IMAGE: CNS photo/Mary D. Dillard, One Voice By Mary Dillard BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CNS) — Religious leaders, civic leaders and community members came together March 3-4 for a conference on “Black & White in America: How Deep the Divide?” in Birmingham. Held at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, the conference …