Phoenix Diocese Invites Catholics to Participate in Vatican Questionnaire on the Family

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted announced today the launch of a questionnaire for use at the October 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the theme,...

Cruel and unusual punishment? Court to weigh in on lethal injections

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When the Supreme Court weighs in on the constitutionality of the lethal- injection executions in Oklahoma this year, its ruling will...

Pontifical council to consider challenges women face in society, Church 

Violence against women, cultural pressures regarding women's physical appearance, attitudes that subjugate women or that ignore male-female differences and the growing alienation of women from the Church in some parts of the world are themes the Pontifical Council for Culture is set to explore.

U-Mary student exchanges zucchetto with Pope Francis

If he’s not the envy of the entire world, millions of people would at the very least love to have the same experience that Andrew Meyer had with Pope Francis.

Pope to dads: Play with your kids, be strong, loving, moral role models

When their lives are all work and no play, men turn their children into "orphans" who lack a father to guide them, show them love and teach them values, Pope Francis said.

Italian convents act as safe houses for victims of sex trafficking

Before her 18th birthday, Elizabeth had already traveled across the Sahara and the Mediterranean on her way from Nigeria to Europe and spent six months in a brothel in Denmark. She was being prepared to start working on the streets of Italy when she found her way to Casa Rut, a safe house for trafficking victims.

Indian church leader welcomes Obama remarks on religious freedom

An Indian Catholic leader welcomed the parting message of U.S. President Barack Obama, who reiterated freedom of religion as a fundamental right.

U.S. bishops’ group travels to Iraq, meets with those who fled ISIS

One of Iraq's Christians chased out of her historic homeland quietly prayed the rosary as a bishop who traveled halfway around the world to meet her and others displaced celebrated Mass for them.

Former senator’s daughter discusses gift of life, sister Bella’s story

For Elizabeth Santorum and her family, this year's March for Life theme of "Every Life Is a Gift" has special significance.

Persecuted for faith, Christians are united in bloodshed, pope says

Christians are united in bloodshed as they suffer from violence and persecution in various parts of the world, Pope Francis told Christian leaders.