Boston cardinal says all feel ‘deep sorrow’ for victims of explosions
BOSTON (CNS) — Within hours of two explosions taking place near the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley sent a message of prayer and support for those injured, their loved ones and those who experienced the trauma of the tragedy.
Pope offers prayers for victims, first responders in Boston
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis responded to the bombings in Boston by invoking peace for the souls of the departed, consolation for the suffering and strength for emergency and medical personnel.
Pope names international panel of cardinals to advise on Vatican reform
Amid rising concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the central administration of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis named an international panel of cardinals to advise him on the latest reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.
‘Shepherd in combat boots’ awarded Medal of Honor for Korean service
A Catholic Korean War chaplain who selflessly pulled wounded men from enemy fire and helped his fellow prisoners of war keep a sense of hope was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, in an April 11 White House ceremony.
Christian credibility undermined by hypocrisy, pope says
The credibility of Christianity is undermined by pastors and faithful who preach one thing and do another, Pope Francis said.
Mesa pastor writes about Kermit Gosnell’s ‘house of horrors’ in Sunday bulletin
In his weekly bulletin letter, Fr. Charlie Goraieb, pastor of St. Timothy Parish in Mesa, addressed the ongoing criminal trial of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who is on charged with murdering seven babies and one mother.
Pope Francis reaffirms Vatican’s call for reform of U.S. nuns’ group
Pope Francis reaffirmed the Vatican's call for reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told the U.S.-based nuns' group that he had "recently discussed the doctrinal assessment with Pope Francis, who reaffirmed the findings of the assessment and the program of reform for this conference of major superiors."
Catholicism struggles in Japan: More complex that mere secularism
The reasons for failure of the faith to grow in Japan is actually more complex than mere secularism. The Japanese government lifted persecution in 1873, but mostly because of pressure from the west, particularly the U.S. government, who bluntly told Japan that enlightened nations did not persecute people for religious beliefs.
Christians can’t lead ‘double life,’ pope says in homily
A "double life" that honors both worldly values and the teachings of Jesus is not an option for Christians, even when obedience to God leads to persecution, Pope Francis said in a morning homily April 11.
Immigration rally cries out to Congress to fix range of problems
From across the country, by bus, plane and train, tens of thousands of people calling for comprehensive immigration reform covered the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol April 10, in one of more than a dozen similar events taking place around the United States.
