Tradition of Epiphany door blessing with chalk is symbol of hope in 2021
The ancient Christian tradition of marking doorways with blessed chalk on the feast of the Epiphany will carry new meaning for many Catholics in 2021. Following a year that saw families shaken by the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional home blessing will serve as a special symbol of hope and a visible reminder of faith.
Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all
On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.
Vatican calls for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The Vatican is calling for a coordinated international effort to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, which are critical to defeat the pandemic, "prioritizing those most in need."
Pope announces yearlong reflection on family, ‘Amoris Laetitia’
Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church will dedicate more than a year to focusing on the family and conjugal love.
Without alternatives, current COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable
The Vatican's doctrinal office said that when alternative vaccines are not available, it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines developed or tested using cell lines originating from aborted fetuses.
Ignoring the poor is a sin, head of Ukrainian Catholic Church says
Celebrating the birth of Jesus, Christians should remember that he is present in each person who is sick, homeless, frail, neglected or needs help, said the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Pope again calls for diverting funds from weapons to fighting hunger
Appealing for a worldwide commitment to initiating a "culture of care" for one another and for the environment, Pope Francis again called on nations to divert money from their military budgets to create a global fund to end hunger and promote development in the world's poorest nations.
Death penalty hits historic low in U.S. ‘despite federal execution spree,’ says report
A new report Dec. 16 by the Death Penalty Information Center said the use of capital punishment reached a historic low this year in the United States even with the return of federal executions by the Trump administration.
Court sides with Colorado, New Jersey challenges to pandemic worship restrictions
The Supreme Court, once again siding with houses of worship opposed to pandemic-related restrictions, ordered lower federal courts in Colorado and New Jersey Dec. 15 to reexamine state-imposed indoor worship restrictions.
Netflix to release series illustrating pope’s call for ‘alliance’ of young, old
Netflix has announced that in 2021 it will release a documentary series based on "Sharing the Wisdom of Time," a book in which Pope Francis called for creating "an alliance between the young and old people" by sharing their stories.
