By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Vatican and Palestinian representatives have finalized the text of a formal agreement recognizing freedom of religion in the “State of Palestine” and outlining the rights and obligations of the Catholic Church, its agencies and its personnel in the territory.

By Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput May 13 urged prayers for all affected by the Amtrak train derailment in the city’s Port Richmond neighborhood that left at least six people dead and injured more than 200 others. “I urge all people of goodwill to join …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY  — The closer two people are to each other, the more care is required in respecting the other’s freedom and feelings, Pope Francis said. Even Jesus knocks at the door of a person’s heart awaiting permission to enter, he said May 13 …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors received temporary approval of its first set of statutes. U.S. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston — one of the pope’s top cardinal advisers and president of the pontifical commission — had submitted …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ July 5-12 visit to Latin America will not take him to his native Argentina, but it will put him closely in touch with his Jesuit roots and with one of the main characteristics of his ministry as archbishop of …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — The Holy Year of Mercy will be an opportunity to encourage Christians to meet people’s “real needs” with concrete assistance, to experience a “true pilgrimage” on foot, and to send “missionaries of mercy” throughout the world to forgive even the most …

By Ann Schneible CNA/EWTN News  Christians in pursuit of unity should not be afraid to broach potential areas of disagreement such as marriage, family, and sexuality, Pope Francis said in a meeting with the head of Sweden’s Lutheran church. “All Catholic faithful” are invited “to take up, recognize the signs …

By Matt Hadro & Adelaide Mena CNA/EWTN News  After unrest erupted in Baltimore following the death of 25 year-old Freddie Gray, Catholics stepped up to restore their communities and pray for peace and justice in their neighborhoods. “The community, to me, is not those people that come in and sell …

By Matt Hadro & Adelaide Mena CNA/EWTN News  U.S. Supreme Court justices asked tough questions of both plaintiffs and respondents at oral arguments on Tuesday in a possibly landmark marriage case that is expected to be decided in June. “Clearly, the justices were conflicted over this issue,” stated the Heritage …

By Mary Rezac & Michelle Bauman Catholic News Agency  Many journalists would say they have a passion for truth, but for Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, that took on added significance as she worked for the Church she loved. Ubiquitous in the world of U.S. Catholic media, Sr. Walsh was well-known …