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Catholic News Agency
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
Catholic Bible-in-a-year podcast tops the charts
by Christine Rousselle Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 8, 2021 / 05:02 pm MT (CNA).- A Catholic podcast featuring a priest reading and analyzing the Bible has been at the top of the Apple Podcast charts since Jan. 2, ahead of secular podcasts produced by such organizations as The New York …
Dawn Pickerill: St. John XXIII School Principal Embraces Faith and Silver Linings
by Kary Ellen Berger For eight years, Dawn Pickerill has led students, teachers and administrators as principal of St. John XXIII Catholic School in Middletown. Her love of education and children, though, have been a constant throughout her entire life. Growing up with her father in the U.S. Navy, Pickerill …
Book gives more insight into the actions of Pius XII and his ‘bureau’ during WWII
by Andrea Gagliarducci Vatican City, Jan 7, 2021 / 04:00 pm MT (CNA).- A new book provides further information from the archives of Venerable Pius XII, including the Vatican’s attempts to oppose the actions of Nazi Germany through diplomacy during World War II. “One day the documents of the Holy …
