IMAGE: CNS pohoto/Musa Al Shaer, pool via EPA By Doreen Abi Raad BEIRUT (CNS) — Lamenting the exodus of Christians from their ancestral homelands, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East pleaded for peace and security in their annual Christmas messages. In separate statements, the prelates shared their anguish regarding the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Octavio Duran By SANTA FE, N.M. (CNS) — Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester attacked an effort to reinstate tax on groceries in New Mexico. In a statement a week before Christmas, he said such a tax burdens the poor and working families. “Our neighbors are hungry!” he …

IMAGE: CNS/Vatican Museums By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite increased persecution and attacks against Christians, the faithful must strengthen their courage and joyful desire to follow Christ no matter the cost, Pope Francis said. By choosing God’s path of truth, “light and life” over all else, Christians continue …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The song of the angels that heralded the birth of Christ urges men and women to seek peace in a world divided by war, terrorism and greed, Pope Francis said. “Today this message goes out to the ends of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paramount By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a real-life situation akin to the “High School Musical” movie franchise, Russell Hornsby was a jock who got the acting bug via the high school musical. Hornsby, a native of Oakland, California, was a sophomore at the all-boys St. Mary’s …

By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Benefits Association, which is made up of Catholic employers nationwide, has come out against a federal regulation scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 that redefines “sex” for anti-discrimination purposes to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The regulation from the Department of …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The reform of the Roman Curia is not a mere face-lift to rejuvenate an aging body but a process of deep, personal conversion, Pope Francis said. Meeting with cardinals and the heads of Vatican offices for his annual Christmas …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — President-elect Donald Trump’s commitments to nominate pro-life justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and support legislative efforts to limit abortion are invigorating abortion foes. Leaders in organizations such as U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; National Right to Life, …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Johnny Antoun By Doreen Abi Raad BEIRUT (CNS) — Amid the turmoil in the Middle East and persecution of Christians in surrounding countries, the Christmas spirit is evident in Lebanon: sparkling lights, decorated trees and even mangers in public places. “Wherever you go you can find Christmas decorations,” …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The birth of Christ is a reminder for Christians to take a moment and reflect on the hope of salvation given by God to the world, Pope Francis said. Those who are humble and poor like the shepherds come …