By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In an effort to better implement the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Holy See has begun to draw up its own safe-environment program for children in Vatican City State and to offer human rights courses for its …

Staff Report The Catholic Telegraph is seeking input from readers in selecting our top 10 stories of 2013. With the help of website analytics and staff consultation, The Catholic Telegraph was able to select 10 of the biggest stories that appeared in print or on the website in the past …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In his first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church dedicated to evangelization in a positive key, with a focus on society’s poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged and unborn. …

Staff Report As a monthly publication, the December issue of The Catholic Telegraph serves both as an Advent and Christmas edition of the paper. With that in mind, readers will find a seven-page Advent & Christmas section.

Pope Francis has called for an Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in October 2014 on the theme: The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization. The General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops invites consultation on this topic to help with its preparations. A Preparatory Document has been …

USCCB Release WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a “Special Message” at the conclusion of their fall General Assembly, November 13, in Baltimore. USCCB regulations regarding statements and publications define a Special Message as a statement, only issued at general meetings, that the general membership considers appropriate in …

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Henry Mansell, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, and named Bishop Leonard Blair, 64, of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, to succeed him. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, October 29, …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Amid rising expectations that the Catholic Church might make it easier for divorced and remarried members to receive Communion, the Vatican’s highest doctrinal official reaffirmed church teaching barring such persons from the sacrament without an annulment of their first, sacramental …

By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Most U.S. Catholics are not looking for spirituality online, in fact, half of them are unaware the church even has an online presence, according to researchers at Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The most widely used communication tool …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis thanked the Knights of Columbus for being in solidarity with him, something he said is seen not only in the money they give for his charities, but also in their prayers, sacrifices and charitable activities.