Author Archive
Pope says church was late fighting abuse, promises ‘zero tolerance’
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has endorsed an approach of “zero tolerance” toward all members of the church guilty of sexually abusing minors or vulnerable adults. Having listened to abuse survivors and having made what he described as a mistake in approving a more lenient set …
Bishop, Caritas staffer say situation in Mexico serious, much aid needed
IMAGE: CNS photo/Francisco Guasco, Reuters By MEXICO CITY (CNS) — A Catholic bishop and a Caritas worker in Mexico said the situation was extremely serious after the Sept. 19 earthquake, and much aid would be needed. “The situation is complicated, because the first earthquake (Sept. 7) had already affected thousands …
Rothers still rooted to land where martyred priest and siblings grew up
IMAGE: CNS photo/Anamaria Scaperlanda Biddick By Anamaria Scaperlanda Biddick OKARCHE, Okla. (CNS) — Tom Rother and his wife of 52 years, Marti, live on the farm where he grew up, less than an hour’s drive from their five children and 15 grandchildren. Though the farm, located three miles from the …
Caritas staffers in Germany juggle duties as they help refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy of Caritas Stuttgart By Dale Gavlak STUTTGART, Germany (CNS) — A young African mother calls for help to the Caritas staffer at the refugee dormitory as her toddler quickly scurries down the hallway, giggling. Unaware, Syrian and Iraqi refugees huddle outside under an awning, busy texting, as …
Church leaders offer prayers, Mexicans pitch in after earthquake
IMAGE: CNS photo/Carlos Jasso, Reuters By David Agren MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Mexican church leaders offered prayers and urged generosity after an earthquake struck the national capital and its environs, claiming more than 240 lives — including at least 20 children trapped in a collapsed school. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake …
Pope prays for victims of Mexico quake
IMAGE: REUTERS By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As search and rescue operations continued in central Mexico, where more than 200 people died after a strong earthquake Sept. 19, Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims. “May our mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe, with great tenderness be near the beloved …
Archbishop calls for peace after verdict, asks community to come together
IMAGE: CNS photo/Lawrence Bryant, Reuters By Joseph Kenny and Jennifer Brinker ST. LOUIS (CNS) — Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis called for peace following a not guilty verdict in the trial of former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley. Stockley, who is white, was charged with first-degree murder …
Pope cites St. Frances Cabrini as exemplar of ministry to immigrants
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although she died 100 years ago, St. Frances Cabrini is a shining example of “love and intelligence” in ministering to the needs of immigrants and helping them become integral members of their new homelands, Pope Francis said. Responding …
Pope expands scope of John Paul II institute on marriage, family
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — To better prepare priests and pastoral workers to help meet the challenges they face today, Pope Francis is strengthening the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family and changing its name to the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute …
Bishop defends Jesuit priest after seminary withdraws invitation
By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — A U.S. bishop vigorously defended Jesuit Father James Martin when a prominent U.S. seminary canceled an invitation it had extended to the well-known author, who was to speak about Jesus at an October event, after fringe groups unhappy with the priest’s recent book about …