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Pontifical Academy of Sciences raises alarm about nuclear weapons

Russia's war on Ukraine frighteningly raises the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons, the unleashing of radioactive material from nuclear power plants and a new push to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, including by terrorists, said members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

God's Word on Sunday: Jesus’ message is more vital than ever

Resurrection of the Lord (Year C) April 17 (Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18)

The message that the apostle Peter preached after the Resurrection was short but powerful. He stuck to the facts, relating the many good things that Jesus had done and the souls He had helped. More importantly, Jesus was empowered by the Spirit and God was with Him.

Cardinal: Vatican looking at implications of possible papal visit to Kyiv

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said it appeared Ukraine could keep Pope Francis safe if he made a wartime trip to Kyiv, but the pope's safety was not the Vatican's only concern.

After two years, Holy Week looking more familiar

Barring a dramatic reversal in pandemic fortune, the vast majority of Canadian Catholics will celebrate Holy Week as they did before COVID-19 infected society two years ago.

Cardinal Turkson to head pontifical academies of sciences, social sciences

Pope Francis has named Cardinal Peter Turkson the new chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, two groups of top-level scholars and experts who promote studies on issues of concern to the Vatican.

Pope Francis indicates he has not spoken directly to Putin about Ukraine war

Once again, Pope Francis avoided speaking directly about Russian President Vladimir Putin and instead focused on condemning war as a cruel and inhumane act that "goes against the human spirit."

Fear stands in way of hearing God’s word

Passion (Palm) Sunday (Year C) April 10(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56)

There is no lack of people or groups who feel that they have a duty and calling to loudly proclaim their beliefs. It often seems like we are being bombarded from all sides by very shrill, intolerant and angry voices. What is to distinguish them from the prophet described in Isaiah? Just one more voice?

German cardinal calls for change in church teaching on homosexuality

HAMBURG, Germany -- Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx has called for a change in Catholic teaching on homosexuality, reported the German Catholic news agency KNA.

Where do you stand on Good Friday?

On Good Fridays, I can find myself shivering in the night with Simon Peter, warming my hands at the charcoal fire.

God's Word on Sunday: With God, expect the unexpected

Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year C) April 3 (Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11)

God can and does act in surprising and even shocking ways and cannot be confined by dogmatic formulas or learned treatises. Did calling one individual — Abraham — and staking everything on his fidelity make sense? Who would have ever predicted or reasoned the burning bush, the plagues of Egypt, the exodus, the giving of the commandments on Sinai and the entrance into the Promised Land?

Pope Francis consecrates Ukraine, Russia to Mary

VATICAN CITY -- As Russia's violent monthlong invasion continued to devastate Ukraine, Pope Francis laid the fates of both countries at the feet of Mary in the hopes that peace would finally reign.