By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the face of difficulty, it’s natural to hope just to get by, but being Christian means patiently enduring trials and overcoming oppression with love, Pope Francis said at a Mass that included special prayers for China. During the Mass …

By Joseph Austin Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — Singer-songwriter Audrey Assad seeks to bring a message of Pope Francis about building bridges to the music business.

By Seth Gonzales Catholic News Service GRAPEVINE, Texas (CNS) — The Boy Scouts of America‘s National Council voted late May 23 to allow openly gay youths admittance as members into the 103-year-old organization, effective Jan. 1, 2014. In a statement, the organization said the decision to review the organization’s ban …

Press Release CINCINNATI – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is asking for help in bringing relief to the residents of Moore, Okla. following the devastation of Monday’s tornado.

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The head of the Vatican office promoting new evangelization said that while he does not like the terms “Francis effect” or “Francis bump,” it is true that “Pope Francis has touched the hearts and minds of many people.” Archbishop Rino …

By Catholic News Service  PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Dr. Kermit Gosnell may have been convicted May 13 of murder at his Philadelphia abortion clinic, but “nothing can bring back the innocent children he killed, or make up for the vulnerable women he exploited,” said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. And, he added, …

Bulletin from Wire and Broadcast News Sources Wire services and broadcast news sources are reporting that Dr. Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia doctor accused of performing illegal, late-term abortions in a filthy clinic has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies born alive but acquitted in …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke and U.S. pro-life leaders joined tens of thousands of demonstrators in Italy’s third annual March for Life May 12, which ended with a personal greeting from Pope Francis. According to organizers, some 30,000 marched …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will meet slum-dwellers and powerful politicians, pay homage at a Marian shrine and celebrate with participants at World Youth Day when he visits Brazil in late July. The Argentine pope’s first international trip, which will take him …

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service  NEW YORK (CNS) — Given that his first appearance in print dates back to 1963, the comics-based superhero of “Iron Man 3” (Disney) may be said to be turning 50 this year. Perhaps a midlife crisis is to blame for the lack of freshness …