British bishops: Despite law, church can’t accept gay marriage
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” …
Pope is most influential, second most-followed world leader on Twitter

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.
Rosary Rally, symposium set at University of Dayton July 30
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.”
Pope returns to Marian shrine, entrusts WYD to Mary’s care

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. …
Pope Francis gets warm welcome in Brazil, navigates crowds in open vehicle

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 …
St. Vivian will host ‘Dismas Journey’
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 …
Pope Francis arrives in Brazil
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 …
Pope Francis visits Pope Benedict, asks him to join WYD in prayer
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 …
Sports Report: Roger Bacon underwater hockey teams make waves at nationals
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 …
Pope on the road: Vatican does detailed planning but expects surprises

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While Pope Francis‘ July 22-28 visit to Brazil has been planned almost down to the minute, the papal spokesman is certain it will be “a bit of an adventure.” The main events of World Youth Day are the same as …