Introducing the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit — the Church’s newest religious community

Seven men — five priests and two brothers — stood before the altar. In the culmination of a spiritual journey that took them a little more than a year, one by one they received their new habits and religious names from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Now, as brothers, they are the founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit.

For Anglicans, being welcomed by Church at Easter ‘glorious’ experience

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — The journey to full communion in the Catholic Church "has taken a few twists and turns," said a former Anglican priest who joined the church with his community during the Easter Vigil in Indianapolis.

GENOCIDE: Christians, religious minorities flee violent persecution in Iraq

As the heartrending images of Christians and Yezidis fleeing for their lives continue to pour in from Iraq, the Vatican called on Muslim leaders to condemn the “barbarity” and “unspeakable criminal acts” of Islamic State militants in Iraq.

Former André House director and Holy Cross priest named bishop for Florida diocese

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis has named Holy Cross Father William A. Wack, a former director of André House, to be the bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

Annual audit shows number of abuse allegations in church dropped in 2012

The annual audit of diocesan compliance with the U.S. Catholic Church's "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" found a drop in the number of allegations, number of victims and number of offenders reported in 2012.

Msgr. Christopher J. Schreck appointed rector/president of Pontifical College Josephinum

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Official correspondence from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, by means of a decree from Cardinal...

Pope announces plenary indulgence connected to March 27 extraordinary blessing

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time (10 a.m. Arizona Time) March 27.

Pope Francis has ‘added new life’ to office he holds, U.S. bishops say

In his first year as the 265th successor of Peter, Pope Francis "has brought to light new dimensions of the Petrine ministry and added new life to the office he holds," the U.S. bishops' Administrative Committee said March 11. The committee also noted the impact that Pope Francis' leadership and simple lifestyle have had on the world.

Gianna Emanuela Molla shares testimony of her ‘saint mommy’

GILBERT — Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla — a living relic and namesake of her mother, 20th-century saint Gianna Beretta Molla — captured hearts in Arizona as she shared her family’s love story.

Bishops send ‘special message’ reiterating objections to HHS mandate

In a "special message" released Nov. 13, the U.S. bishops reiterated their objections to the Affordable Care Act's requirement that employee insurance include contraceptive coverage and said they remain "united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom."