IMAGE: CNS photo/Victor Aleman, Vida Nueva By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women — a practice already observed by the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Courtesy Dormition Abbey By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) — Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the vandalism of two Christian sites next to the Old City. Because of their age, 16 and 15, authorities released few details about the incidents in which anti-Christian slogans in Hebrew were …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jealousy and envy are ugly sins that grow like weeds in one’s heart, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. A heart that is envious is not only tormented, but can even “lead one to kill,” the pope said Jan. 21 during …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Professional pilgrimage planners and those who regularly receive or accompany pilgrims set off on their own Year of Mercy pilgrimage in late January. Most had experience working with pilgrims to Lourdes, Fatima, the Vatican and World Youth Days. But one …

CNA/EWTN News Pope Francis has changed the rules for the Church’s traditional foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, issuing a decree allowing women to participate in what has until now been a ritual officially open only to men. In a letter addressed to Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — Dana Mentgen donned six layers of clothing and made the trek downtown to Chicago’s Federal Plaza Jan. 17 because he felt it was important to witness for life against the “culture of death.” “I think the majority …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Adam Warzawa, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Don’t be afraid of acting fairly and compassionately toward the poor, Pope Francis said in a written message to global business leaders attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. And do not let the sweeping innovations in …

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians are called to work together in order to be a visible sign that God’s mercy excludes no one, Pope Francis said during his general audience Jan. 20. The pope reflected on the theme of …

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Because of the U.S. Episcopal Church’s moves to unilaterally change canon law to allow same-sex marriage, Anglican leaders voted to suspend Episcopalians from positions representing the Anglican Communion and from participating in some Anglican bodies. Primates meeting in Canterbury, England, said that for three years, members …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Liz O’Connor LEVITTOWN, Pa. (CNS) — The Knights of Columbus has announced an initiative designed to bring the Knights into closer cooperation with parishes. Changes were noted in an address delivered by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in November to a San Antonio meeting …