Author Archive
Health care is a right, not a privilege, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church is not a fancy medical clinic for the rich, but a “field hospital” that — often literally — provides the only medical care some people will ever receive, Pope Francis said. “Health is not a …
Swiss Guard recruits pledge to protect the pope with their lives
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With their left hands clutching a standard and their right hands raised with three fingers open symbolizing the Holy Trinity, 23 new Swiss Guard recruits pledged to “faithfully, loyally and honorably” serve and protect the pope and, if necessary, …
Theologians’ brief in HHS mandate case might lead to compromise ruling
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Supreme Court cases, with their multiple friend-of-the-court briefs, leave extensive paper trails behind them and although these briefs might get lost in the shuffle, occasionally some stand out. In Zubik v. Burwell, the challenge to the Affordable Care …
Pope tells struggling Europe he has a dream for its future
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Europe faces an unprecedented influx of immigrants and refugees while struggling to counter continued economic woes, Pope Francis urged the continent to step up to its responsibilities with renewed hope, not cower behind walls and treaties. The pope — …
An ocean of tears calls for mercy, compassion, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The tears shed by men, women and children around the world each day cry out for mercy, compassion and consolation, Pope Francis said during a special Year of Mercy prayer service for those who weep. “How many tears are shed …
German cardinal says ‘unauthorized people’ in Rome veto bishop nominations
IMAGE: CNS photo/SvenHoppe, EPA By BONN, Germany (CNS) — A German cardinal said names of candidates submitted to the Vatican as potential bishops are being vetoed by “unauthorized people” in Rome. “In the name of the law, these unlawful outside influences must be set aside and a proper voice given …
Theology of tears: For pope, weeping helps one see Jesus
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has been sharing a theology of tears: tears of compassion, compunction and consolation. Although Pope Francis does not mask his emotions in public, he rarely is seen to cry. One obvious exception was in Albania …
Cardinal welcomes Britain’s U-turn on resettling child refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/Sedat Suna, EPA By Simon Caldwell MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster has welcomed a U-turn by the British government over the resettlement of child refugees. He said he was “very happy” with a May 4 announcement by Prime Minister David Cameron that the U.K. …
Alberta bishop grateful for no deaths as city evacuated for wildfires
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy CBC News via By ST. PAUL, Alberta (CNS) — As firefighters fought to save Fort McMurray from a wildfire that threatened to destroy the northern Alberta city, a bishop gave thanks that there had been no loss of life. St. Paul Bishop Paul Terrio, whose diocese includes …
Nothing can keep God from seeking those who stray, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — There is no such thing as a soul that is lost forever, only people who are waiting to be found, Pope Francis said. God is not part of humanity’s “throwaway culture” and does not shut out the sinner and those …