Recognize your sin, ask forgiveness, pope says at Mass

The key problem in everyone's relationship with God is not that they sin, but that they are not ashamed of their sin and don't ask forgiveness, Pope Francis said.

Cardinal says Gosnell’s atrocities point to ‘liberal abortion culture’

If New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushes to have "a right to an abortion" codified in state law, he will face "vociferous" and "rigorous" opposition from Catholic and other pro-lifers, said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York.

Knights of Columbus gives 1st Way new ultrasound machine

Women considering an abortion will soon have a new window into the womb that could change their mind, thanks to the Knights of Columbus. Nine months ago, five local Knights of Columbus councils began fund raising efforts in order to help 1st Way Pregnancy Center purchase a 4-D ultrasound machine.

Fellowship’s campus missionaries help college students find ‘meaning’

A diverse group of young college women lounged on couches at the entrance of the George Mason University Student Union on a recent afternoon. Ninoska Moratin, a campus missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, better known as FOCUS, entreated the students to review their week as she began the Bible study.

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.

Papal observer urges U.N. to take steps to end violence in Syria

World leaders must step up to call for an end to the escalating violence in war-torn Syria to stop the killing of innocent people and halt human rights violations, said the Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations.

Deliverance: Spanish exorcist to visit Diocese of Phoenix

When Fr. José Antonio Fortea Cucurull began his ministry as an exorcist, he was the only one in all of Spain. That was some 15 years ago.

HHS contraceptive mandate set to take effect Aug. 1

A federal mandate issued by the Obama administration is the target of 44 separate lawsuits, 58 cases and 190 plaintiffs — many of them Catholic — from across the country.

Researchers’ embryonic stem-cell advance decried as morally troubling

As Oregon scientists announced May 15 that they had successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities warned that the technique is morally troubling on many levels.

Archbishop says people returning to confession because of pope

The head of the Vatican office promoting new evangelization said that while he does not like the terms "Francis effect" or "Francis bump," it is true that "Pope Francis has touched the hearts and minds of many people."