Catholicism

Annual March for Life goes virtual amid COVID-19, unrest at US Capitol
(RNS) — The annual anti-abortion demonstration has brought supporters to the nation’s capital each year since the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1974 to hear from speakers and march to the Supreme Court building.

Martin Luther King Jr. faith events continue in time of COVID-19 and Capitol chaos

Outgoing House chaplain says the job is to ‘be a counterpoint to the dominant spirit of this place’

Cardinal Pell calls for more laity involvement in Vatican financial reform efforts
(RNS) — Lay men and women bring expertise and knowledge that the Vatican lacks, said Pope Francis’ former financial reform czar.

On his way to prison, Catholic activist advocates for COVID-19 prisoner release
(RNS) — Patrick O’Neill will report to a federal prison Thursday for breaking into a nuclear submarine base to protest nuclear arms. Now he’s advocating for prisoner safety during a pandemic.

Priest accused of abetting alleged sex abuse ring is hired by diocesan charity
(RNS) — The mother of an alleged abuse victim claims the priest broke the confidence of the confessional to warn church officials of a coming investigation.

Don’t impeach Trump. Shun him.
(RNS) — Shunning — or its Catholic counterpart, excommunication — is the religious equivalent of amputation. It is an extreme measure to protect the community from infection.

Cardinal Parolin asked Vatican bank for loan to exit troubling London realty deal
(RNS) — Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said he intended to use the loan to pay off a mortgage on the property that was weighing heavily on the Vatican coffers.

Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died of COVID-19
(RNS) — Soccorsi was being treated for cancer at a Rome hospital when he contracted COVID-19, according to reports.

Pope Francis opens a small but significant door for women in the Church
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope made clear, however, that the change is not a step toward women’s ordination.

Pope says women can read at Mass, but still can’t be priests
(RNS) — Francis amended the law to formalize and institutionalize what is common practice in many parts of the world.

Pope Francis calls for unity after ‘shocking’ Capitol attack
(RNS) — ‘Nothing is earned through violence, and everything is lost,’ the pontiff said, offering prayers for the five people who lost their lives during the protests.

Warnock, Biden wins give twin thrills to religious liberals
(RNS) — Warnock and Biden are in the vanguard of the Democrats’ evolution toward engagement on spiritual matters.

Catholic leaders, progressive and conservative, condemn the violence at the Capitol
VATICAN CITY (RNS) – ‘Those who resort to inflammatory rhetoric must accept some responsibility for inciting the increasing violence in our nation,’ said Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington.

Faith leaders react to mob at Capitol with prayers, calls for end to violence
(RNS) — From prayers to calls for Trump to halt rioters, some statements react to a sign of a divided nation with cries for peace.