Attorneys call Equality Act an overreach, and they say it may backfire
If it becomes law, the Equality Act, which has been described as a one of President Joe Biden's top legislative priorities, will be an overreaching use of federal power to shut down religious liberties and traditional views on gender, according to attorneys tracking the measure.
Cardinal’s Lenten meditation: Conversion is call to renew, rekindle faith
Conversion means believing that God became flesh to make all things new and offer his kingdom to everyone, said Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, offering the first meditation of Lent for leaders of the Roman Curia and Vatican employees.
Biden reverses policy barring green-card applicants from entering U.S.
President Joe Biden announced Feb. 24 a reversal of a 2020 proclamation by the Trump administration that sought to keep those applying for permanent residency cards, popularly known as green cards, out of the country because of the pandemic.
‘We were here’ — health care chaplains reflect on COVID-19 ministry
As the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation this past year, hospital chaplains -- already accustomed to helping people cope with sickness and death -- found their ministries took on added significance.
Heroes of love: New pathway open for future saints
Pope Francis has yet to sign decrees in sainthood causes that follow the new path he approved in 2017, that of giving one's life in a heroic act of loving service to others.
Catholic agencies welcome access to Ethiopia’s Tigray region
Catholic relief agencies in Ethiopia welcomed a move by the government to allow more access in Tigray, the semi-autonomous region in the north, where a military operation displaced millions and left an unspecified number of people dead.
U.S. House passes Equality Act in a 224-206 vote
The House of Representatives passed the Equality Act in a 224-206 vote Feb. 25.
Pandemic profiteering becomes focus of group’s new ‘Dirty Dozen’ list
There were dozens of companies that came under consideration for the annual "Dirty Dozen" list of companies produced by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation that profit from pornography.
Religious leaders urge Biden to support global coronavirus aid, debt relief
Two religious leaders, including the chairman of a U.S. bishops' committee, urged the Biden administration to support the release of $3 trillion in global reserve funds to help developing countries respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vatican official insists religious services are ‘essential services’
For believers, the ability to practice their faith and receive spiritual guidance are "the highest of essential services," and pandemic practices over the past year have shown they are not automatically super-spreader events, the Vatican foreign minister said.