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Use of pornography called ‘mortal sin’ if done with ‘deliberate consent’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops approved a statement on pornography on the second day of their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore. “Producing or using pornography is gravely wrong. It is a mortal sin if it is committed with full knowledge …
Bishop disturbed by calls to end resettlement of Syrian refugees in U.S.
IMAGE: CNS photo/Sedat Suna, EPA By BALTIMORE (CNS) — The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration said he was disturbed by calls from federal and state officials for an end to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. “These refugees are fleeing terror themselves — violence …
Vatican Nativity scene, tree to be unveiled early for Year of Mercy
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Christmas tree and Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will be set up and unveiled earlier than usual this year to be ready for the opening of the Year of Mercy. In preparation for the extraordinary event, which begins …
Dioceses encouraged to plan own Year of Mercy events beginning in December
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski BALTIMORE (CNS) — From entering a diocesan Holy Door to undertaking the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, Catholics can model a compassionate life during the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization …
God never shuts the door; church always must be open, too, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Because God always keeps open the door of his mercy and offer of salvation to everyone, the doors of every church and every Christian heart must never be closed to others, Pope Francis said. All over the world, individual Christians …
Bishops elect Msgr. Bransfield as general secretary of USCCB
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski BALTIMORE (CNS) — The U.S. bishops Nov. 17 elected Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield as the new general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has been associate general secretary of the conference for five years, working alongside the current general secretary, …
Year of Mercy, Christmas, New Year prayers fill pope’s calendar
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ calendar of Masses and prayer services for December and January are a combination of annual Advent and Christmas celebrations and added events for the beginning of the Year of Mercy. In St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 8, the feast …
U.S. bishops approve statement that calls pornography ‘mortal sin’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops approved a statement on pornography on the second day of their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore. “Producing or using pornography is a mortal sin that needs to be confessed in order for the person to …
Accepting invite from Rome’s Jewish community, pope to visit synagogue
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will visit Rome’s synagogue and meet with the city’s Jewish community Jan. 17, the Vatican announced. Invited by Rome’s Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, Pope Francis will be the third pope to visit the synagogue; St. John Paul II made his …
Bishops, in draft statement, call pornography ‘mortal sin’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — A draft statement on pornography to be considered for approval by the U.S. bishops at their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore calls pornography “mortal sin” and urges Catholics to turn away from it. “Producing or using pornography is …