Vatican official concerned by populist leaders ‘hijacking’ religion

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, head of the Vatican's evangelization congregation, has expressed concern over the "hijacking" of religion by populist leaders who sow division and exploit the anger of those who feel excluded.

Iraq visit was ‘sign of hope’ for suffering people, pope says

Despite years of suffering due to war and terrorism, the people of Iraq continue to look to the future with hope, Pope Francis said.

Woman religious honored as one of International Women of Courage

Comboni Sister Alicia Vacas Moro, a Spanish missionary sister and registered nurse, was one of 14 women to receive this year's International Women of Courage Award, an annual honor from the U.S. Department of State for women who have demonstrated leadership in their human rights work.

USCCB Administrative Committee’s pastoral message marks year of pandemic

U.S. life has "dramatically changed" due to the yearlong pandemic, and alongside it, racial injustices and political divisions have shaken the nation, yet there is "comfort in God's promise," the U.S. bishops' Administrative Committee said in a March 9 pastoral message.

Australian priest: More homeless in Hong Kong than he’s seen in 36 years

Oblate Father John Wotherspoon loves McDonald's restaurants, and it's not because of the fries.

Faith amid the ruins: Pope calls Iraqis to affirm kinship under one God

Pope Francis summarized his "pilgrimage of faith and penitence" to Iraq in a prayer: "If God is the God of life -- for so he is -- then it is wrong for us to kill our brothers and sisters in his name. If God is the God of peace -- for so he is -- then it is wrong for us to wage war in his name. If God is the God of love -- for so he is -- then it is wrong for us to hate our brothers and sisters."

Doctors seek permanent relief from mandate to do transgender surgeries

Attorneys for doctors and hospitals argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit March 3 that they shouldn't be forced to perform gender-transition surgeries required under the Affordable Care Act, stressing this is an issue of conscience.

Grad students lift elderly parishioners’ spirits one conversation at a time

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wendell Callahan became aware of two demographic groups with needs.

Bishops say pandemic relief bill must be passed without abortion funding

If it becomes law, the American Rescue Plan Act would pit the great need Americans have for economic relief in this pandemic against those who insist the bill must include abortion funding, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairmen of seven USCCB committees.

Minnesota faith leaders pray for peace, justice during Floyd trial

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis prayed March 6 for peace and justice in the upcoming trial of a white former city police officer in death of George Floyd, an African American, while in police custody.