IMAGE: CNS/Cristian Gennari By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At the end of a Lenten retreat focused on questions in the Gospels, Servite Father Ermes Ronchi told Pope Francis and senior members of the Roman Curia that it is tempting to bristle when the faithful ask challenging questions, but …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Ettore Ferrari, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to ensure greater financial transparency and accountability, Pope Francis approved new regulations governing the financial contributions given for sainthood causes, the Vatican announced. The new “norms on the administration of goods of the causes …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The number of people going to confession in St. Peter’s Basilica increased noticeably in the first months of Year of Mercy, but not among English-speakers, who apparently are staying away from Europe out of fear of terrorism, said the …

By Richard Szczepanowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Washington has criticized a Georgetown University student group’s invitation to the president of Planned Parenthood to speak on campus. In a statement, the archdiocese said the issue is not about free speech because “lacking in this choice by the student group …

IMAGE: (CNS photo/Mohammed Badra, EPA By Beth Griffin NEW YORK (CNS) — “The most massive failure of the Catholic community at all levels in the past 20 years has been to address the question of our ongoing involvement in the Middle East,” according to San Diego Bishop Robert W. McElroy. …

IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The sexual abuse of minors and greed by members of the clergy have left Christians wounded, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican officials during their Lenten retreat. “Pedophilia and the attachment to money are the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Garry Lotulung, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the heart of Vatican City, dozens of women from around the world gathered to share their stories of faith and activism. A few men were in attendance, but Pope Francis and top members of the Roman Curia …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Mary D. Dillard, One Voice By Mary Dillard BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CNS) — Religious leaders, civic leaders and community members came together March 3-4 for a conference on “Black & White in America: How Deep the Divide?” in Birmingham. Held at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, the conference …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Sid Hastings, St. Louis Review By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic schools in the United States are falling short in serving the growing number of Latino Catholics, according to a new report released March 7. The Boston College report, “Catholic Schools in an Increasingly Hispanic Church,” looks …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Stringer, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The four Missionaries of Charity murdered March 4 in Yemen “are the martyrs of today,” Pope Francis said. “They gave their blood for the church.” After reciting the Angelus with thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square March …