Catholic Church
NJ priest suspended for supporting gay groups
By David Gibson — September 1, 2016
(RNS) Newark Archbishop John Myers has again taken action against the Rev. Warren Hall, this time for publicly backing gay support groups and gay Catholics.
Pope Francis says care of environment a new ‘work of mercy’
By Josephine McKenna — September 1, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis is calling for urgent action to stop climate change, saying care of the environment should be added to the traditional seven works of mercy like feeding the hungry.
Mother Teresa is ‘Saint of the Doubters,’ says Jesuit author
By David Gibson — August 31, 2016
(RNS) The Rev. James Martin, author of the best-selling memoir 'My Life With the Saints,' talks about the canonization of Mother Teresa and how to look at sainthood in the modern era.
Italian earthquake woke Pope Francis in the Vatican
By Josephine McKenna — August 29, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff felt the tremors at 4 a.m. and immediately celebrated Mass for the victims.
Vatican has high hopes of better ties with China
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 27, 2016
VATICAN CITY -- For the Vatican, a thaw in relations with China would offer the prospect of easing the plight of Christians on the mainland, who have often been persecuted by the authorities.
Cardinal Burke insists he is serving Francis, not opposing him
By David Gibson — August 22, 2016
(RNS) Ever since Pope Francis was elected, he has faced strong opposition to his push for church reforms -- and the face of that opposition has often been Cardinal Raymond Burke.
Italian bishop likens ‘Pokemon Go’ to totalitarian Nazism
By Josephine McKenna — August 18, 2016
ROME (RNS) The Sicilian churchman described the virtual monster-hunting game, which has become a global sensation, as 'diabolical' and has threatened to take legal action.
Pope Francis meets French president in wake of priest’s slaying
By Josephine McKenna — August 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The private meeting came just three weeks after an elderly priest was brutally murdered by Islamist militants in northern France.
Pope Francis names Dallas bishop to key new Vatican post
By Josephine McKenna — August 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff’s choice of a pastor much like himself signals an effort to ensure the legacy of Francis’ more welcoming approach to Catholic ministry.
Pope Francis treats homeless to pizza and swim at the beach
By Josephine McKenna — August 15, 2016
ROME (RNS) News of the day trips for about 100 indigent Romans comes as the pontiff warns against the Catholic Church becoming too 'bureaucratic.'
Pope Francis meets women rescued from sex trade
By Josephine McKenna — August 12, 2016
ROME (RNS) The surprise visit with 20 women rescued from sexual slavery was another sign of the pontiff's strong stance against human trafficking.
The ‘Splainer: Lourdes and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
By Josephine McKenna — August 12, 2016
(RNS) Security is being beefed up as thousands of pilgrims flock to a Marian shrine in southwest France. Why Lourdes and what is the Assumption?
Pope Francis invites Syrian refugees to lunch in Vatican
By Josephine McKenna — August 11, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff's gesture was another pointed challenge to sentiment in the West against welcoming refugees from the war-torn region.
Brazilian priest cited in ‘Spotlight’ hangs himself in jail
By David Gibson — August 9, 2016
BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) The Rev. Bonifacio Buzzi was convicted of abusing a 10-year-old boy a decade ago. He was arrested last week on charges of molesting two more boys.
Top Catholic bishops criticize Biden for officiating at gay marriage
By David Gibson — August 7, 2016
(RNS) But the three officials were circumspect in their critique and did not mention the vice president by name. Two factors may explain their relative reticence.
