By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In today’s climate of mistrust, rejection and nationalism, the world urgently needs peacemakers and politicians who protect and lovingly serve others, Pope Francis said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1. "Terror exerted over those who are most …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — It has been 25 years and counting, but Father Michael Shields doesn’t have any plans to leave the mission of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska, in Magadan, Russia, at least any time soon. Father Shields, 69, loves his ministry in …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Giuseppe Lami, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With Christmas just over a week away, visitors came to St. Peter’s Square with their Baby Jesus figurines for a traditional blessing by the pope. Many children came with small figurines for their family Nativity scene, others held …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Giuseppe Lami, EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If the Holy Family lived in Rome and the baby Jesus had a cold or flu, Mary and Joseph certainly would bring him to the Vatican pediatric clinic for help, Pope Francis said. The Vatican’s St. Martha Dispensary …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Joshua Lott, Reuters By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The farm bill that passed both houses of Congress by wide margins doesn’t have money in it to protect endangered species, but it did preserve one that had been on the threatened list: bipartisanship. "We were so excited that …

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 …