Catholicism
Cardinal Becciu sentenced to 5 and a half years in prison by Vatican tribunal
By Claire Giangravé — December 16, 2023
(RNS) — Vatican judges found 9 of the 10 defendants in the trial guilty, with sentences including prison time and fines.
Inconvenient truths at Christmastime
By Phyllis Zagano — December 15, 2023
(RNS) — It seems civility has left the planet.
The pope called it genocide. I know what I heard.
By Shireen Hilal — December 14, 2023
(RNS) — The Vatican staff insisted Pope Francis never used the term ‘genocide.’ We know what we heard.
Pope, once a victim of AI-generated imagery, calls for treaty to regulate artificial intelligence
By Nicole Winfield — December 14, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each Jan. 1.
Latino majority congregations see growth, financial struggles, report finds
By Adelle M. Banks — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Still, the overarching picture for majority Latino congregations looks more promising than for other congregations,’ said sociologist of religion Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi.
In Advent God comforts us so we can comfort others
By Thomas Reese — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — God does not comfort us so we can simply be comfortable. God comforts us so we can comfort others.
The pope says he wants to be buried in the Rome basilica, not in the Vatican
By Nicole Winfield — December 13, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis has already said if he retires, he would want to live outside the Vatican somewhere in Rome in a residence for retired priests.
In Florida farmland, Guadalupe feast celebrates, sustains 60-year-old mission to migrant workers
By Giovanna Dell'orto — December 13, 2023
NARANJA, Fla. (AP) — The feast draws millions of pilgrims to the main basilica in Mexico City and to churches big and small across the Americas around Dec. 12.
As few details are released, fatal stabbing of Catholic priest rocks small Nebraska community
By Josh Funk — December 12, 2023
FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, who served at St. John the Baptist church, was attacked during what authorities called a break-in early Sunday. He died despite being rushed to an Omaha hospital
Viva Guadalupe! Beyond Mexico, the Indigenous Virgin Mary is a powerful symbol of love and inclusion for millions of Latinos in the US
By Kristy Nabhan-Warren — December 11, 2023
(The Conversation) — The famous apparition of the Virgin Mary has come to symbolize Mexico, but other groups – particularly migrants and Latinos north of the border – also feel a special connection to Guadalupe.
Preaching to polarized congregations: A responsibility and a challenge, clergy say
By Adelle M. Banks — December 8, 2023
(RNS) — 'It's not about going from red to blue to purple,' Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement advises clergy. ‘It's about going above the partisan divisions.’
France’s president visits Notre Dame a year before the fire-damaged cathedral’s planned reopening
By Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet — December 8, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The schedule calls for the completion of the penultimate restoration phase by the end of the year, with the cathedral’s much-anticipated reopening set for Dec. 8, 2024.
A milestone for Notre Dame: 1 year until cathedral reopens to public after devastating fire
By John Leicester — December 7, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The restoration of Notre Dame hits a milestone Friday: one year until the cathedral reopens its huge doors to the public, on Dec. 8, 2024.
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 6, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.
Vatican to unveil Nativity scene celebrating the 800th anniversary of the crèche
By Claire Giangravé — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — The first crèche was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
