Catholics with a Franciscan tie reflect on pope

Countless Catholics have approved and shared — via social and traditional networks — Pope Francis’ acts of humility in the five weeks since his election. Catholics devoted to the Franciscan way of life or are simply part of a mission or parish named after the well-known saint have felt an even deeper connection to the new pontiff.

Cristero martyr now popular patron of Mexican migrants headed to US

SANTA ANA DE GUADALUPE, Mexico (CNS) -- The road signs leading to this hamlet of 292 souls in the dry highlands northeast of Guadalajara...

Judge strikes down Arizona’s marriage law, opens door to same-sex marriage in state

A U.S. District Court judge's ruling that Arizona's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional "overturns the will of Arizona voters and reflects a misunderstanding of the institution of marriage," the state's Catholic bishops said Oct. 17.

Phoenix sister opens respite center for the homeless

A web of community and individual relationships have helped realize the dream of Sr. Adele O’Sullivan, MD, to open Phoenix’s first medical respite center...

Pope calls for repentance over treatment of migrants

Before saying a word publicly, Pope Francis made the sign of the cross and tossed a wreath of white and yellow flowers into the Mediterranean Sea in memory of the estimated 20,000 African immigrants who have died in the past 25 years trying to reach a new life in Europe.

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.

Vatican: Preserving ethnological artifacts, helping others do the same

One of Rome's best-kept secrets is the collection of 100,000 ethnological artifacts housed in a special section of the Vatican Museums.

Announcing new series of talks about family, pope reviews synod

The October extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family was not the scene of "a clash between factions, but of a debate among bishops," a work that will continue with the 2015 general synod "for the good of families, the church and society," Pope Francis said.

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.

New Iraqi patriarch pledges dialogue, warns against emigration

The new patriarch of Chaldean Catholics pledged to foster coexistence and dialogue and urged Christian Iraqis not to leave their homeland, warning that if emigration continues, "there will be no more Christians in the Middle East."