Thousands of police officers are taking a knee. Will it make a difference?
(RNS) — The gesture is intended to show contrition and solidarity with protesters. But some question its effectiveness and say it won’t lead to lasting change.
Street art depicting Pope Francis highlights homeless struggle in Milan
(RNS) — The artist said his inspiration stemmed from seeing many people in Milan being forced to live on the streets due to the economic consequences of the pandemic.
Pope Francis issues ‘game-changer’ document that aims to overhaul Vatican financial investments
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The new document issued by Pope Francis on Monday completely overhauls the way the Vatican invests its money.
Pope Francis condemns ‘sin of racism’ while promoting nonviolence as protests mount in US
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis addressed the outrage caused by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police: ‘(W)e cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form.’
At St. John Paul II shrine, Trump’s use of religion goes from bad to ugly
(RNS) — Disciples’ deliberate manipulation of religious settings, themes and objects revealed Trumpworld’s cynical and shameless approach to faith.
Amid mounting protests in the US, Pope Francis calls for unity in diversity
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — To faithful in the United States, this message comes at a time of deep fracture and division as riots and protests continue following the death of George Floyd on Monday (May 25).
Catholic bishops, Southern Baptists, call for justice in George Floyd death
(RNS) — Catholic and Southern Baptist leaders condemned the abuse of police power, call for racial healing and pray that the family of George Floyd will find comfort.
Pope Francis to lead global prayer ceremony on eve of Pentecost
(RNS) — Faithful from five continents will join in prayers for the intercession of Mary for the end of the pandemic, emphasizing the global reach of the church.
Italian cardinal calls for better spiritual guidance for gays, lesbians
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Following in Pope Francis’ footsteps, an Italian archbishop invited Catholics to look at gays and lesbians ‘as God looks at them.’
With two swift moves, Pope Francis rekindles hope for financial reform
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Tranquil on its surface, as COVID-19 has shut down nearly all activity in its churches, museums and offices, the Vatican has nonetheless been quietly dealing with its troubled finances during the pandemic.
Making his kitchen his pulpit, Indian priest highlights the pandemic’s hungry
(RNS) — D’Souza’s ‘Food for the Soul’ show has gained over 6,000 subscribers across India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a nationwide lockdown.
Vatican reiterates two-state solution as Israeli-Palestinian relations escalate
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Once again, the Vatican issued a statement reinforcing its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after the recently installed government of Israel announced plans to vote for the annexation of the West Bank territory.
Centenary of John Paul II’s birth highlights continuity with Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — At his first public Mass since the global COVID-19 lockdown, Pope Francis celebrated before the tomb of his predecessor and reflected on the legacy of the pontiff who galvanized the masses while helping to defeat communism.
Pandemic will alter Communion rituals for many US Christians
NEW YORK (AP) — Striking changes in Communion will take place at Catholic and Protestant churches across the United States over coming weeks as restrictions on large gatherings — imposed because of the coronavirus outbreak — are gradually eased.
Priest draws squirt gun in fight against coronavirus
DETROIT (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest in the Detroit area used a squirt gun to shoot holy water at parishioners while maintaining social distancing.