Pope Francis calls for civil unions for same-sex couples in documentary
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights.
Becciu denies interfering in Pell trial
ROME -- Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu denied having interfered in any way with the trial of Cardinal George Pell after Italian media reported an allegation that Becciu might have wired money to Australia as a bribe during Pell’s trial.
Vatican reports positive coronavirus case at pope's residence
VATICAN CITY -- A resident at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the residence where Pope Francis lives, tested positive for COVID-19, the Vatican announced.
God's Word on Sunday: Exodus reveals a lesson in social justice
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 25 (Year A) Exodus 22:21-27; Psalm 18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40
People have very short memories, especially when there is a past they would prefer to forget. Experiences of poverty, insecurity and injustice seem to fade after one’s circumstances have improved dramatically. Unfortunately, many also forget the kindnesses and breaks they received along the way.
World Mission Sunday isn't canceled because of COVID-19, officials say
VATICAN CITY - The collection taken up in parishes around the globe on World Mission Sunday is "as unique as it is rare" because offerings are made by Catholics in the richest and poorest nations, a Vatican official said.
Swiss Guards report additional cases of COVID-19 among ranks
VATICAN CITY - The Swiss Guard reported an additional seven men have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the current number of cases among the 113 guardsmen to 11.
Analyst linked to Cardinal Becciu is arrested
VATICAN CITY - A political analyst allegedly hired as a security consultant by Cardinal Angelo Becciu was arrested by Italian authorities in Milan, Italian media reported.
Vatican criminal trial begins against priests accused in abuse case
VATICAN CITY - Dressed in a black polo shirt with a sweater draped around his shoulders, Father Gabriele Martinelli, 28, heard a Vatican criminal court accuse him of repeatedly sexually abusing a younger student at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.
Prayer, crying out to God is only source of salvation, Pope says
VATICAN CITY - The purpose of crying out to the Lord in prayer is not to get used to suffering, but to remember that God, and not humankind, is the only source of salvation and consolation, Pope Francis said.
God's Word on Sunday: We all have a part to play in God’s plan
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 18 (Year A) Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a; Matthew 22:15-21
King Cyrus of Persia was an unlikely candidate for the title 'messiah' (anointed one) in the Hebrew Scriptures. But the text is clear: Cyrus was the anointed of God. Not only that, God gave him the power necessary for his long string of military victories.
The face of evil is all around us
We tend to be naïve about evil, at least as to what it looks like in everyday life.