Catholic Church
Kelly Ayotte, free condoms — and a budding Catholic question?
By David Gibson — October 5, 2016
(RNS) The Republican senator from New Hampshire is locked in a tough re-election battle. Could her campaign gimmick to distribute free condoms to college students prompt any Catholic backlash?
Who is the archbishop Pope Francis sends into the streets to help Rome’s migrants?
By Josephine McKenna — October 5, 2016
ROME (RNS) He is Konrad Krajewski, 'Don Corrado,' as he is known, and he is nothing like a typical Vatican official. But there's only so much even he, and the pontiff, can do to help these refugees.
‘Liturgy shaming’ is a growing internet phenomenon. But is it a vice or a virtue?
By David Gibson — October 4, 2016
(RNS) Catholics in particular are debating the merits of what seems like simple bullying. Defenders of the practice say it gets the hierarchy’s attention – and safeguards the sanctity of the Mass.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to quake zone
By Josephine McKenna — October 4, 2016
ROME (RNS) 'From the first moment, I felt that I needed to come to you! Simply to express my closeness to you, nothing more,' the pontiff told survivors in an emotional meeting in the devastated town of Amatrice.
As Catholic priests are killed in Mexico, questions and tensions rise
By David Gibson — October 3, 2016
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (RNS) Is the church under attack? Or are the clergy just collateral damage in a wider wave of violence?
Pope Francis warns Syria aggressors they will face divine wrath
By Josephine McKenna — September 28, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff's latest appeal came as he authorized a church charity to auction cars used during his recent trip to Poland to support those hard hit by the war.
Trump, Clinton to trade jokes instead of barbs at Al Smith dinner
By David Gibson — September 27, 2016
NEW YORK (RNS) This has been an unconventional campaign, but Cardinal Timothy Dolan will still host the GOP and Democratic nominees at the white-tie dinner for charity next month. What could possibly go wrong?
Another priest slain in Mexico as Pope Francis appeals for end to violence
By Josephine McKenna — September 26, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The body of yet another cleric was discovered on Monday, and now at least 15 Catholic priests have been murdered in the past four years in the violence-plagued nation.
Pope offers comfort to friends and relatives of Nice attack victims
By Jerome Socolovsky — September 24, 2016
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -- Pope Francis sought to comfort relatives and close friends of the more than 80 victims of the attack in Nice in July, who were run down by a man driving a truck as they celebrated France's national day.
World’s oldest Catholic bishop dies at age 104 in New Jersey
By Jerome Socolovsky — September 21, 2016
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The world's oldest Roman Catholic bishop, who championed civil rights and promoted equality for women in the church, has died in New Jersey at age 104, church officials said.
Vatican delegate urges Pope Francis to fire Guam archbishop over abuse
By Josephine McKenna — September 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Archbishop Anthony Apuron has refused to step down so the investigator Francis appointed to look into allegations against him says he must be dismissed.
Pope Francis makes surprise visits to neonatal unit, hospice
By Josephine McKenna — September 16, 2016
ROME (RNS) The impromptu visits, part of the Holy Year of Mercy events, were aimed at highlighting the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of all life at all stages.
Pope Francis to new bishops: Dispense mercy, don’t be ‘charming liars’
By Josephine McKenna — September 16, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) People don't like whiny bishops, the pontiff said, and they can 'sniff out narcissists, manipulators and hawkers of vain crusades.'
‘The Loves of the Popes’ and the Vatican’s new normal
By David Gibson — September 12, 2016
(RNS) So it turns out Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a real catch before he decided to become a priest. What revelations about the passions of popes say about the papacy.
Mother Teresa now officially ‘St. Teresa’
By Josephine McKenna — September 4, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff said the tiny nun 'made her voice heard before the powers of this world so that they might recognize their guilt for the crime of poverty they created.'
