News/International
Russia, West must settle differences to achieve peace, cardinal says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Peace and an end to violent conflicts around the world should be placed above any national interests when it comes to the relationship between Western countries and Russia, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.
Pro-life groups praise new Missouri bill curbing abortion
By CNA/EWTN NewsST. LOUIS, Mo. – Pro-lifers lauded a bill that will restrict abortion access in Missouri, granting the state attorney general more power to prosecute violations, and requiring both stricter health codes and proper fetal tissue disposal.
Ohio bishops: Replace death penalty with mercy, conversion
By CNA/EWTN NewsCourt to decide if Charlie Gard's parents can take him home
By CNA/EWTN NewsLONDON, England – After ending their legal fight to seek further treatment for their 11-month-old son, the parents of Charlie Gard are now in a dispute with Great Ormond Street Hospital over whether they may take the boy home to live out his final days.
Cardinal Pell faces Australian court on sex abuse charges
By Kristen Gelineau, Associated PressMELBOURNE, Australia – Silent but defiant, Cardinal George Pell made his first court appearance in Australia on Wednesday (July 26) on charges of sexual abuse, vowing through his lawyer to fight the allegations that have rocked Rome and threatened the Pope's image as a crusader against abusive clergy.
U.S. bishop urges Senate to remedy health care after vote to proceed
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – After the Senate voted July 25 to proceed with the health care debate, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, urged senators of both parties to "work together to advance changes that serve the common good."
New York court says church has right to hire employees who 'advance faith'
By Catholic News ServiceNEW YORK – A court ruling that the New York Archdiocese did not discriminate against a school principal when it did not renew her contract affirms "the freedom of a church to decide who will serve as its religious leaders," said the Alliance Defending Freedom.
Catholics oppose buffer zone around Kentucky's last abortion clinic
By CNA/EWTN NewsLOUISVILLE, Ky. – Pro-life activists in the Archdiocese of Louisville have spoken out against a city ordinance which resulted in the creation of a temporary buffer zone outside Kentucky's only facility where abortions can be procured.
Mexican bishops don't see explosion as attack on church
By David Agren, Catholic News ServiceMEXICO CITY – An anarchist group calling itself "Informal Feminist Commando of Anti-Authoritarian Action Coatlicue" has claimed credit for detonating an explosive device outside the Mexican bishops' conference offices.
CRS worker: Churches attacked, crisis worsens in Central African Republic
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceOXFORD, England – A Catholic aid worker warned of a worsening crisis in the Central African Republic, as church centers are attacked and more armed groups fight over territory and resources.
Abductions of two priests in Congo a growing concern
By Fredrick Nzwili, Religion News Service(RNS) — The abduction of two Catholic priests in Congo is raising concern over the number of hostages held by local militias in the troubled country.