MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis told a crowd of an estimated 6 million gathered in a Manila park to protect the family “against insidious attacks and programs contrary to all that we hold true and sacred, all that is most beautiful and noble in our culture.” The pope’s homily at …
Pope Francis may add New York, Washington, D.C., to U.S. visit
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican secretary of state said he expects Pope Francis to visit New York City and Washington, D.C., during his September trip to the United States. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who as secretary of state is considered the highest Vatican official under the pope, spoke to reporters Jan. …
Pope Francis to visit Philadelphia for World Meeting of Families
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, making it the first confirmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America. The pope made the announcement Nov. 17 in a speech opening an …
Pope Francis uses newly simplified rite to canonize six saints
VATICAN CITY — Using a newly simplified rite, Pope Francis proclaimed six new saints and praised them for the love and self-giving with which they served God and built up his kingdom by serving the poor and needy. Creating the two Indian and four Italian saints Nov. 23, the feast …
Court: Closely held companies can’t be required to cover contraceptives
By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a narrowly tailored 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court on June 30 said closely held companies may be exempted from a government requirement to include contraceptives in employee health-insurance coverage under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court said that Hobby Lobby and Conestoga …
Camp Marymount marking 75th anniversary with summer reunion
Catholic summer camp serving Tennessee dioceses combines nature, spirituality By Theresa Laurence, Catholic News Service For generations of young people, Camp Marymount in Fairview, Tenn., has been more than a place to spend a few weeks in the summer. It’s where bonds are forged over campfires, craft projects and late-night …
Camp Marymount celebrating 75th anniversary
By Theresa Laurence NASHVILLE – For generations of young people, Camp Marymount in Fairview, Tenn., has been more than a place to spend a few weeks in the summer. It’s where bonds are forged over campfires, craft projects and late-night talks under the stars. “The thing about camp is it’s …
Supreme Court hears case of firms’ HHS mandate challenge
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Oral arguments in two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court March 25 focused on whether for-profit corporations have religious grounds to object to the new health-care law’s requirement that most employers provide contraceptive coverage in their employee health plans. Crowds on both sides of the issue gathered …
World Meeting of Families will be open to all as Vatican, Philadelphia get ready
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia next year will be open to families and people of different faiths, including no faith at all, to engage the wider society in dialogue and to serve and strengthen all families, organizers said. The gathering Sept. 22-27, 2015, “is …
Ukrainian Catholics fleeing from Crimea
OXFORD, England (CNS) — Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Church are fleeing Crimea to escape threats of arrest and property seizures, a priest told Catholic News Service just four days after Russia finalized the region’s annexation. “The situation remains very serious, and we don’t know what will happen — the …
God is always present with those who suffer, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The fragility of human life is part of its beauty and is something people only really learn by being close to, sharing with and caring for those who are suffering, Pope Francis said. “Even in suffering, no one is ever alone because God — in his …
Lexington’s Bishop Gainer named to Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Bishop Ronald W. Gainer of Lexington has been named to head the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., and the vicar general of the Diocese of Fresno, Calif., has been named auxiliary bishop of Sacramento, Calif., the first for the diocese. Pope Francis made the appointments Jan. 24. They …
