By Catholic News Service  ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Dec. 31 he would commute the death sentences of the last four inmates on the state’s death row to life imprisonment without possibility of parole. 

Press Release Pope Francis, on World Day of Peace, stressed one resolution for everyone: to accept without reservation that “all people are in relation with others, from whom they differ, but with whom they share the same origin, nature, and dignity.”  The U.S. Catholic bishops echo this in their theme …

By Sarah McCarthy Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON — “The biggest human rights rally in the world,” as one regular participant described it, will return to the nation’s capital for the annual March for Life Jan. 22. The 42nd rally on the National Mall and march to Capitol Hill marks the …

CNA/EWTN News Pope Francis issued a strong message to members of the curia this week, warning them against careerism and urging them to live the reality of the priesthood – as servants. “Sometimes,” the Pope said Dec. 22, curia members “feel themselves ‘lords of the manor’ – superior to everyone …

By Mary C. Uhler Catholic News Service  MADISON, Wis. — This year a group of families from the Diocese of Madison decided to sponsor a Nativity display at the Wisconsin Capitol, and it turns out it’s one of just a handful of creches on state capitol grounds around the country.

CNA/EWTN News Auxiliary Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Indianapolis has been chosen by Pope Francis to be the next bishop of Burlington, Vermont, announced the Vatican Dec. 22. In a Dec. 22 statement, Bishop Coyne voiced joy and thanked the Holy Father for his trust. He told the people of …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — God is knocking to come into people’s lives, so be attentive, humble and courageous to let him in, Pope Francis said. “When we feel in our heart: ‘I want to be good, to be better … I feel sorry for what …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — Ineffective budgetary oversight and “questionable” financial activities have plunged the Order of Friars Minor into significant debt and an extremely serious financial situation, its minister general said. Following an internal investigation into the order’s finances, U.S. Franciscan Father Michael Perry, the …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis expressed his joy over the historic turning point in U.S.-Cuba relations as the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties after half a century. “Today we are happy because we have seen how two peoples who were distanced for …