In Bari, Pope Francis calls Mediterranean region to unity
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a city that once launched the Crusades, Francis urged, unite the forces that once nearly destroyed the known world to bear witness to peace.
Solidarity over segregation: Faith-based coalitions organize across races, religions
(RNS) — Author and minister Adam R. Taylor cited interracial Christian work on voter protection and multifaith efforts to combat white nationalism.
A report finds L'Arche founder sexually abused 6 women
PARIS (AP) — Jean Vanier, a religious figure who worked the developmentally disabled in multiple countries over half a century before his death last year, sexually abused at least six women, according to a report.
Lent's countercultural call is as old as the church—and more necessary than ever
(RNS) — Lent can help us turn away from politics and focus on how our participation in a consumerist, throwaway culture contributes to inequality.
One year after Vatican abuse summit, survivors grade Pope Francis with 'D minus'
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — One year after Pope Francis called for a summit of Catholic bishops at the Vatican, abuse survivors flocked to the Eternal City on Thursday to report a lack of progress and accountability in the fight against clergy sex abuse.
Democrats diverge on outreach to anti-abortion swing voters
NEW YORK (AP) — Democratic presidential hopefuls are offering different approaches to a central challenge: how to talk to voters without a clear home in the polarizing debate over the government's role in the decision to end a pregnancy.
Vatican police raid home, office of influential church official in investment inquiry
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The latest development in the church's financial scandal is apparently tied to interrogations of five officials who were suspended in October of last year.
Cathedral light show is drawing those who normally don’t darken church doors
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Cathedrals around the world are welcoming people in new ways with meditative light and sound shows.
German theologian spearheads transition to a ‘gender appropriate’ Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a country with a long tradition of outspoken theologians, Agnes Wuckelt has her say about Germany's Catholic bishops' two-year summit studying the Church's beliefs on sexuality, love and priestly life.
Meet Father Josh: a happily married Catholic priest in a celibate world
Josh Whitfield is a husband, a father of four and a relentlessly good-natured priest beloved by the parishioners at Dallas' St. Rita Catholic Community.
Trump’s California funding threat over abortion puts nuns in unexpected spot
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — It's been nearly three weeks since Trump health officials in the Jan. 24 notice gave the state 30 days to comply or risk losing federal funding.
A priest's anti-Muslim comments reveal US Catholics' Islamophobia problem
(RNS) — Misconceptions about Islam and Muslims are widespread among Catholics. In some cases, Catholic institutions and media outlets actively give a platform to voices promoting prejudice and fear.
Thomas Merton, my stroke and the light within
(RNS) — You don’t always need classes run by Zen masters. Reading the right books at the right times can provide essential solace and guidance.
NFL team's deep Catholic ties behind role in abuse crisis
(AP) — The controversy that has led fans to question what exactly the New Orleans Saints did for the church and whether it was appropriate.
Pope Francis vetoes married priests in the Amazon, slams those who exploit region
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The papal document, called 'Querida Amazonia' (Beloved Amazon), is born from the discussions of over 180 bishops from all over the world who gathered at the Vatican last fall (Oct. 6-27) to address the social, environmental and spiritual needs of the indigenous people of the Amazon and their habitat.