IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — A baby in a manger is proof enough for Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York that Americans can express a culture of life. And it wasn’t the Christ child. Instead, it was a newborn infant left by his …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said there can be no confusion between God’s plan for marriage as an indissoluble bond between one man and woman who are open to life, and other sorts of unions. “The church, in fact, can demonstrate God’s unwavering merciful love toward …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh urged Massgoers preparing to rally in Washington for the annual March for Life to “connect the dots” linking all manner of life issues. At a Jan. 22 Mass at the Basilica of the National …

By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — March for Life hospitality at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill Catholic Church starts at 4 a.m. That’s when the first volunteers arrive at the basement parish hall to fire up 20 rented urns for coffee, tea and hot chocolate. It takes an hour for …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Use the power of communication to build bridges and heal wounds, not generate hatred or misunderstanding, Pope Francis said. The Catholic Church, too, must proclaim the truth and denounce injustice without alienating everyone in need of God’s help, he said in his message …

IMAGE: NS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. louis Review By Jennifer Brinker WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sometimes being pro-life means making difficult decisions. Because of a predicted snowstorm in Washington, the St. Louis archdiocesan Catholic Youth Apostolate canceled its Generation Life pilgrimage to the March for Life. About 2,200 teens, adult chaperones, volunteers …

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 …