Catholicism
Convent-made delicacies, a Christmas favorite, help monks and nuns win fans and pay the bills
By Giovanna Dell'orto and MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — December 19, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Most nuns and monks involved in preparing the delicacies are quick to point out that their main mission is to pray, not to cook — and that doing both involves finding a delicate balance.
5 things the Catholic Church’s document on same-sex blessings does (and doesn’t) say
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — The Vatican approved same-sex blessings, but there are a few caveats.
Pope Francis condemns Saturday’s Israeli attack on Christian church as act of terrorism
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — 'It’s war, it’s terrorism,' Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis’ 87th birthday closes out a big year of efforts to reform the church, cement his legacy
By Nicole Winfield — December 18, 2023
ROME (AP) — Alongside the synod, Francis this year appointed an unusually progressive theologian as the Vatican’s chief doctrine watchdog.
Notre Dame spire to be crowned with new rooster, symbolizing cathedral’s resurgence
By Thomas Adamson — December 18, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The rooster, a French emblem of vigilance and Christ’s resurrection, will house sacred relics inside it.
With Pope Francis’ encouragement, Vatican allows blessings for same-sex couples
By Claire Giangravé — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — 'God never turns away anyone who approaches him!' read the document issued by the Vatican's doctrinal department.
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
