IMAGE: CNS photo/ By James Ramos HOUSTON (CNS) — Laredo’s Bishop James A. Tamayo is calling church leaders and lay faithful to "extend the compassion of Christ" to those who come to Catholic churches in need. Bishop Tamayo leads the youngest diocese in Texas and the U.S. The south Texas …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sister Annie Demerjian has seen a lifetime of suffering in Aleppo, Syria, over the past seven years. Now, as conflict is beginning to die down, her ministry is no longer about getting emergency supplies to those in need as buildings …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Arnd Wiegmann, Reuters By Jonathan Luxmoore WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — As government delegations from across the globe prepare for a Dec. 2-14 U.N. conference on climate change, Catholic organizations are pledging to make the church’s voice heard. CIDSE, a network of 17 Catholic development agencies from Europe and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People would be wise to think about Judgment Day and wonder what God will see when he examines their lives, Pope Francis said. "If the Lord were to call me today, what would I do? What will I say? …

IMAGE: CNS photo/David Maung By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The archbishop who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities cheered news that the abortion rate in the United States continues to shrink, as does the number of abortions overall. "I am gratified that the number of abortions in the United …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — From the beach town of New Smyrna, Florida, just a stone’s throw away from Daytona Beach, Rich Varano never imagined his unique talent of sculpting sand would take him to the heart of Christianity. Varano is the artistic …

IMAGE: CNS photo/ Kim Kyung-Hoon By David Agren MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The chaotic scene in Tijuana Nov. 25 — when migrants, including women and children, were repelled from the U.S. border with tear gas — prompted the closure of one of the world’s busiest border crossings. It also showed …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Sivaram V, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The International Union of Superiors General has called on women religious who have suffered abuse to come forward and report it to their congregations and church and state authorities. "If the UISG receives a report of abuse, we …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The desire to spend vast amounts on shopping and needless extravagances can prevent Christians from being generous with others, Pope Francis said. "Consumerism is a great disease today. I am not saying that we all do this, no. …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Pope Francis visits Panama for World Youth Day in January, he will meet with young people not able to attend the festivities: some in jail and with some living with HIV. He also will dedicate the altar …