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Catholic News Agency
Trump admin announces rules to allow equal access to grants for religious groups

By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Jan 16, 2020 / 03:55 pm (CNA).- The White House announced new rules from nine federal agencies Thursday to help ensure that religious groups have equal access to public benefit programs. On Jan. 16, Religious Freedom Day, President Donald Trump announced the rules “to protect …
Will these Louisiana Cajun Catholics become saints? Diocese begins canonization cause

By Mary Farrow Lafayette, La., Jan 14, 2020 / 04:00 am (CNA).- Three Cajun Catholics from the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana are on their way to becoming canonized saints after an historic ceremony on Saturday, January 11. During the ceremony, Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette officially opened the causes …
Archbishop Ganswein: Benedict XVI wrote text, but did not agree to be book’s co-author

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Jan 14, 2020 / 05:58 am (CNA).- Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the private secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, said Tuesday the former pontiff was not informed he would be presented as co-author of a new book on priestly celibacy and that Benedict has asked for …
Pope Francis: It is beautiful when babies cry at Mass

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 12, 2020 / 04:30 am (CNA).- Pope Francis baptized 32 babies in the Sistine Chapel Sunday, telling parents not to worry if their children cry at Mass. “Let the children cry,” the pope said. “It is a beautiful homily when a child cries in …
Vatican: Pope Francis not in favor of optional priestly celibacy

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Jan 13, 2020 / 07:01 am (CNA).- A Vatican spokesman said Monday that Pope Francis’ position on priestly celibacy is “known,” quoting the pontiff’s remarks in a January 2019 press conference, in which he said he does not agree with making priestly celibacy “optional” in …
Benedict XVI, Cardinal Sarah pen book on priesthood, celibacy, crisis

Vatican City, Jan 12, 2020 / 04:44 pm (CNA).- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, have co-authored a book on the crisis in the Church and on priestly ministry. “From the Depths of Our Hearts” will be published in English by …
Massachusetts bill would let minors obtain abortion without parental consent

Boston, Mass., Jan 4, 2020 / 04:20 pm (CNA).- In the latest move from Massachusetts state legislators to block abortion restrictions and expand access to the procedure, state Sen. Harriet Chandler has introduced a bill that would remove the longstanding requirement for teens to obtain parental consent before getting an …
As fires continue to burn, Australian bishop calls for prayer, support

Melbourne, Australia, Jan 5, 2020 / 05:01 pm (CNA).- As fires throughout parts of Australia continue to worsen, the Archbishop of Melbourne called for prayers and encouraged Catholics to donate to those in need. “On this first weekend of the New Year, we should be focusing on the joy of …
Pope Francis: Honor the dignity of women for a better world in 2020

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 1, 2020 / 05:15 am (CNA).- Pope Francis began the new year with a call for the dignity of women to be honored — not exploited for profit and pornography — in 2020. “How many times is the woman’s body sacrificed on the profane …
High school founded by former NFL star aims to make virtuous students

by Perry West Minneapolis, Minn., Dec 31, 2019 / 03:00 am (CNA).- Not everyone who goes to high school will go to college, the founders of a new Minnesota high school say, but everyone should be prepared for leadership, service, and virtuous lives. Preparation for a good life, no matter …