Catholicism
An Episcopal seminary found a solution to its fiscal woes. Then 7 bishops intervened.
By Bob Smietana — April 12, 2024
(RNS) — A group of seven New York-area bishops have objected to a long-term lease for General Episcopal Seminary, saying the lessee, a Catholic school, has a donor that does not support rights for gay, transgender and queer people.
Chaldean patriarch returns to Baghdad after nine months of self-imposed exile amid political dispute
By Abby Sewell and Ali Jabar — April 12, 2024
BAGHDAD (AP) —Cardinal Louis Sako was welcomed warmly by a church packed with members of the country’s Christian minority as he led his first mass in Baghdad on Friday after returning the day before.
US Catholics more polarized than ever about still-popular Pope Francis, survey says
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 12, 2024
(RNS) — The Republican and Republican-leaning favorability rating represents a decline, creating the largest partisan gap in approval of Francis since his papacy began.
Experts call for Vatican judicial reforms to promote transparency and a fair trial
By Claire Giangravé — April 11, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Speakers at the conference said the institution still has a lot to do to better inform victims during canonical trials.
Documentary portrays asylum-seeking family helped by a Seattle synagogue
By Yonat Shimron — April 11, 2024
(RNS) — ‘All We Carry’ follows a Honduran couple and their son as they make their way from Mexico to Seattle, where they settle for three years until an immigration court hears their asylum claim.
Trump assails Jewish voters who back Biden: ‘Should have their head examined’
By Bill Barrow — April 11, 2024
ATLANTA (AP) — The Gaza conflict has sandwiched Biden between conservatives – both Christian and Jewish – who want stalwart support for Netanyahu’s government, and progressives.
Brazil’s Yanomami leader asks the Pope to support President Lula in reversing damage to the Amazon
By Nicole Winfield — April 11, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — History’s first Latin American pope has made caring for the environment, especially the Amazon, a hallmark of his papacy.
As Trump hawks Bible, debate over ‘Christian America’ spreads outside church
By Bob Smietana — April 10, 2024
(RNS) — During the heyday of American churchgoing, some presidents sought to use religion to unite the country. In the age of Trump, it is one more thing to fight over.
Vatican’s top diplomat begins a 6-day visit to Vietnam aimed at normalizing relations
By Aniruddha Ghosal — April 10, 2024
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) —Vietnam described that appointment as a “historic moment,” underscoring a stronger relationship that could have implications in the future for the Holy See’s ties with China.
New York Catholic Workers bring new growth with rooftop garden
By Fiona Murphy — April 9, 2024
(RNS) — Inspired by Pope Francis’ apostolic letter on ecology, a garden planned for the roof of the movement’s historic Maryhouse has attracted new attention to Dorothy Day’s Catholic service organization.
Dozens of Christians arrested after shutting down Senate lunch in protest of Gaza famine
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 9, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The protest, organized by Christians for a Free Palestine, followed a Communion service held on Capitol grounds.
New Vatican document combines modern transparency with eternal teaching
By Thomas Reese — April 9, 2024
(RNS) — Pope Francis summons all people to defend human dignity in every moment of human existence.
Transgender Catholics say new Vatican document shows no understanding of their lives
By David Crary — April 9, 2024
(AP) — The dismay was heightened because recent moves by Pope Francis had encouraged some trans Catholics to hope the church might become more accepting.
Catholic bishops silent as Ascension hospital system shrinks maternity care
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — April 8, 2024
(RNS) — The bishops have urged more support for mothers and families, even as Ascension, one of the largest Catholic health care providers in the US, has been closing labor and delivery units at its hospitals.
New Vatican document condemns gender theory, surrogacy
By Claire Giangravé — April 8, 2024
(RNS) — The new document takes a step back from the opening toward LGBTQ Catholics ushered in by Pope Francis.
