Groups ask Congress to pass conscience protection for health care workers
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — For decades, Congress and U.S. presidents — both Republican and Democrat — have approved federal laws “protecting conscientious objection to abortion,” but it is increasingly clear current laws “offer far less protection in practice than in theory,” said a group of faith-based, health care and pro-life …
Look at your own sins before judging others, pope says at audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must look to their own sins and failings and not fall into the temptation of hypocrisy that causes them to believe they are better than others, Pope Francis said. “The relationship of salvation” with God cannot move forward …
Education, trauma counseling key to helping Syrian refugees in Lebanon
IMAGE: CNS photo/Dale Gavlak By Dale Gavlak ZAHLE, Lebanon (CNS) — On a rainy spring day, the misery of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees is compounded as they shelter in dilapidated shanties dotting a long muddy swathe of the verdant Bekaa Valley. Colorful plastic sheeting, advertising cameras and cosmetics, …
Pope reminds world of suffering in war-torn Ukraine
IMAGE: CNS photo/Alexander Ermochenko, EPA By Gaby Maniscalco VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ pleas for humanitarian aid for Ukraine is bringing needed attention to a forgotten war, said Ukrainian Catholic leaders. The 2-year-old war has caused thousands of deaths and forced more than 1 million people to seek refuge …
Refugees are not a problem, they are a gift, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Refugees, often perceived by society as an added cost or a problem, are a gift and a reflection of the face of God, Pope Francis said. People who escape oppression, war, pollution or “the unjust distribution of the planet’s resources are a …
Catholic TV chef has cooked for two popes
For Lidia Bastianich food is about family, making connections and celebrating life. The Emmy-award winning host of “Lidia’s Kitchen,” best selling author and restaurateur has made her mark on the cooking scene, while remaining true to her roots and firm in her faith. Bastianich, an Italian born Catholic, who escaped …
Local Missionaries of Mercy reflect on marching orders from pope
Roughly 800 priests accepted a mission from the Holy Father in January. They became Missionaries of Mercy during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, which runs through Nov. 20 of this year. On Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10), the majority of those missionaries gathered in Rome before Pope Francis to be …
Young nun, postulants among hundreds of Ecuador earthquake victims
IMAGE: CNS photo/Henry Romero, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Six members of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, including a young nun from Northern Ireland, are among the dead in the strongest earthquake to strike Ecuador since 1979. Sister Clare Theresa Crockett, 33, of Londonderry, died while …
From nightmare to dream: Syrian refugees thank pope for safety
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — After less than 48 hours in Rome, “dream” is the word used most often by the six Syrian adults Pope Francis brought back to Italy with him from a refugee camp in Greece. By April 18, the couples — who asked …
Words and deeds can’t be separated, pope tells new priests
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — What you say and how you live always go hand in hand, building up the church and the people of God, Pope Francis told new priests. “Therefore, may your doctrine be nourishment to the people of God, joy and supporting …