Pope names six women, six men to panel to study women deacons

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has appointed six men and six women to a commission to study the issue of women deacons, particularly their ministry in the early church.

Olympic pressure? Wrestler relies on faith to help him cope

WASHINGTON – Kyle Snyder's knack for making history began during his junior year of high school, when he helped win the first-ever state championship for the wrestling team of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olney, Maryland. In March 2015, Snyder helped Ohio State win its first national title in wrestling, and in September of that same year, Snyder became the youngest world champion in the history of USA wrestling.

Pope tells very ill kids 'no easy answers' to questions on suffering

KRAKOW, Poland – Questions about suffering have "no easy answers," Pope Francis said in a visit to Children's University Hospital.

Piazza credits his Catholic faith at induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Mike Piazza, the superstar catcher inducted July 24 into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, gave credit to his Catholic faith for his success during his induction speech.

Emmanuel Community to run church above Rome's Spanish Steps

VATICAN CITY – An agreement between the Holy See and France handed responsibility for the church that towers above Rome's Spanish Steps to the French-founded Emmanuel Community.

Catholic Book of Worship to get some fine tuning

What you sing and how you sing it on Sunday mornings is about to get a little more fine tuning. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a search for hymns, songs, chants and Mass settings to include in a new national hymnal.

Carmen Hernandez, co-founder of Neocatechumenal Way, dies

ROME – Carmen Hernandez, co-founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, died in Madrid July 19 at the age of 85.

Priests join IndyCar circuit to take care of spiritual needs of drivers, crew

TORONTO – When the Indy comes to town, organizers bring almost everything a race team could need — including a priest to celebrate Mass.

'Papal Ninja' brings message of faith to TV audience during competition

OAKLAND, Calif. – In what has become a staple of summer television, scores of athletic folks run an obstacle course that looks like a cross between a playground on steroids and the inner workings of a pinball machine.

Pope makes surprise visit to Latin American commission office

VATICAN CITY – Members of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America were holding their daily staff meeting when an unexpected visitor came to their door: Pope Francis.

Mary Magdalene honoured with feast day, speaks to dignity of women

Now that the memorial to St. Mary Magdalene is a feast day, all that remains is for Catholics to decide how they will feast.