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 …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — A massive, detailed Vatican-ordered investigation of U.S. communities of women religious ended with a call to the women themselves to continue discerning how best to live the Gospel in fidelity to their orders’ founding ideals while facing steeply declining numbers and …

By Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ 2014-15 Christmas season celebrations will include exactly what he did a year earlier. Releasing the pope’s schedule Dec. 10, the Vatican said he would: — Celebrate Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24.

By Mary Rezac CNA/EWTN News  DENVER, Colo. — The Little Sisters of the Poor asked an appeals court Monday to shield them from the federal contraception mandate, saying that it threatens their 175 years of service to the poor and dying. “As Little Sisters of the Poor, we offer the …