The Catholic Sun

Even with just war theory as a guide, the answers remain murky to moral and ethical questions about whether a military strike is the appropriate response to what U.S. officials believe was a chemical attack against Syrian civilians, analysts said.

Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church on an extraordinary campaign to prevent President Barack Obama's proposed military strike on Syria. On Sept. 4, the pope appealed to leaders of the G-20 nations to "lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution" to the Syrian civil war and promote instead a "peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation."

The Catholic Church closely safeguards the sanctity of marriage because it is a reflection of Christ's union with his bride, the Church, Pope Francis said.

MESA — Scorching triple-digit temperatures didn’t deter young adults from making history this week. They labeled themselves a downtown college’s first students and they clearly labeled themselves Catholic. Benedictine University at Mesa students spent their lunch break Sept. 4 in a one-mile eucharistic procession, adoration and Mass. It was the first Mass as a college community.

Pope Francis asked leaders of the world's 20 largest economies to "lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution" to the Syrian civil war and promote instead a "peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation."

As threats of military intervention against Syria escalate and the country's future remains uncertain, a U.S. cardinal said that, no matter what transpires, prayer is urgently needed.

Echoing the appeal of Pope Francis and Catholic prelates in Syria, two leaders of the U.S. bishops' conference urged President Barack Obama to seek a political solution in Syria.

Pope Francis' appeal to pray for peace in Syria has a particular urgency for Catholics in the region, who say their countries are most likely to suffer the brunt of any attacks on Damascus.

When James Wall was installed by the Vatican as Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in 2009, he knew there were festering issues regarding allegations of priest sex abuse, but not to the extent that has brought the sprawling southwestern diocese to the doors of U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

In response to Pope Francis’ invitation, a local vigil will be held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., corresponding with Pope Francis’ vigil in Rome.