Author Archive

By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Changes in law and public opinion have had their role to play in the quest to end capital punishment in the United States, but Catholic teaching also has played a part, according to Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. "Pope …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the celebration of Christmas draws near, the plight of the Holy Family calls to mind the sufferings of the many men, women and children escaping war and persecution, Pope Francis said. Meeting with organizers and artists participating …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Claudio Peri, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Anyone who still believes the abuse crisis is an "American" or "Western" problem must become properly informed, face reality and realize problems may be hidden and explode in the future, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. And those who …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For more than 38 years, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa has preached to the pope and top officials of the Roman Curia. In early January, he will lead the weeklong retreat of the U.S. bishops. As they continue to study and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Just as she did hundreds of years ago from a small hill in Tepeyac, Mexico, Mary accompanies the downtrodden and the lowly like a mother caring for her children. Mary "is a woman who walks with the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — No one should be afraid to turn to God with prayer, especially in times of great doubt, suffering and need, Pope Francis said. Jesus does not want people to become numb to life’s problems and "extinguish" those things …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Katie Rutter By Katie Rutter LAFAYETTE, Ind. (CNS) — Brian Duane’s maroon Subaru had already covered about 1,800 miles when he pulled into the parking lot at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette Dec. 4. It was Duane’s 18th stop in what would …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pro-life leaders said they were disappointed the U.S. Supreme Court declined Dec. 10 to hear appeals from Kansas and Louisiana on lower court rulings that have stopped the states from blocking Medicaid funds going to Planned Parenthood. "Complicated legal arguments don’t take …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Debbie Hill By Judith Sudilovsky BEIT SAHOUR, West Bank (CNS) — Bethlehem and the neighboring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour depend economically on tourism, but traditionally have struggled with keeping visitors in the area for more than half a day. Although the hotels are fully booked …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Luisa Gonzalez, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican praised the adoption by more than 160 nations of a key agreement on global migration, saying today’s migration challenges are better tackled together than with "isolationist" stances. The U.N. Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular …