Why is the internet abuzz with false claims of a ‘Vatican blackout’?: A CNA Explainer

CNA Staff, Jan 11, 2021 / 07:30 am MT (CNA).- On Sunday, Jan. 10, the internet was abuzz with false reports of an overnight blackout at the Vatican, accompanied by a series of claims concerning Pope Francis, the Italian police, and the FBI. The claims were widely shared by conspiracy …
Pope Francis admits women to ministries of lector and acolyte in new motu proprio

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 11, 2021 / 04:05 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis issued a motu proprio Monday changing canon law to allow women to serve as lectors and acolytes. In the motu proprio “Spiritus Domini,” issued on Jan. 11, the pope changed canon 230 § 1 of …
Pope Francis: We need unity in the Catholic Church, society, and nations

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Jan 10, 2021 / 02:30 pm MT (CNA).- In the face of political discord and self-interest, we have an obligation to promote unity, peace, and the common good in society and in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said Sunday. “At this moment, a politician, even …
Seize the Moment: CRISP SHEETS & MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP

When I was a kid, I used to hate making my bed. To me, it just didn’t make any sense. Why am I making my bed when I’m just going to mess it up again? Is someone coming over? If not, why bother? But, despite my protests, I had to …
Franciscan friars return to site of Christ’s baptism after 50 years

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Jan 10, 2021 / 03:52 pm MT (CNA).- For the first time in over 54 years, the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land were able to offer Mass on their property at the site of Christ’s baptism, located in the West Bank. …
A Pandemic School Year: Catholic Schools Across Western and Southwestern Ohio Rise to the Challenge.

The 2020-21 school year began in earnest with students, teachers and parents yearning for learning to go back to the classroom, but everyone knew things would be different and all would have to do their part to stay on campus. “It was tough in the beginning, but it has gotten …
Pope Francis ‘astonished’ by disruption at US Capitol

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Jan 9, 2021 / 09:51 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis has said he was surprised by the news of the incursion of pro-Donald Trump protestors into the U.S. Capitol Building this week, and has encouraged people to learn from the event in order to heal. …
Pope Francis asks Immaculate Virgin Mary to intercede for US after Capitol violence

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 10, 2021 / 05:30 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis prayed Sunday for the United States, asking the Immaculate Virgin Mary to help foster a “culture of encounter” after the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol Building. “I extend an affectionate greeting to the people …
Mo Prikkel: Catholic Central’s Campus Minister shaped by tragedy and a supportive faith community

Sometimes, our most difficult experiences are what prepare us for a life’s mission. This is certainly true for Maureen “Mo” Prikkel, the Pre-K through eighth grade campus minister at Catholic Central School in Springfield. Catholic Central is an institution with a proud, 90-year history of providing a faith-based, college-prep education. …
Incoming USCCB doctrine chair: Death penalty is part of ‘throwaway culture’

CNA Staff, Jan 9, 2021 / 05:00 am MT (CNA).- In an online panel Friday, the incoming chair of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine committee discussed the Church’s opposition to the death penalty as a matter of fighting the “throwaway culture.” “[B]asically the Church is stating the state cannot and should …