News/International
WASHINGTON - The head of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee Aug. 3 urged U.S. senators to take the federal money that goes to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and instead fund women's health care providers that do not promote abortion.
Judge sides with L.A. archbishop on contested convent sale, Katy Perry’s offer in limbo
By Maria Luisa Torres, Catholic News ServiceLOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Superior Court James Chalfant ruled July 30 that the contested sale of the former convent of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to restaurateur and urban developer Dana Hollister is invalid.
At the time of the unauthorized transaction, the archdiocese had already accepted an alternate offer from pop star Katy Perry, supported by three of the five sisters.
Pope Francis shuns summer palace again; locals say town losing tourism
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceCASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope Francis is shunning the expansive papal summer palace in Castel Gandolfo for the third time since 2013, a choice that is causing frustration among locals who rely on the tourists a papal visit brings.
Pro-life groups condemn Health Canada abortion drug approval
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA - Pro-life groups and at least one pro-life Member of Parliament have condemned Health Canada’s July 29 approval of abortion drug RU-486 or mifepristone.
New study shows link between TV viewing and Alzheimer's
By Mark Pattison, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - As if it couldn't get worse for the television industry.
Younger people are leaving TV for other modes of visual entertainment -- the computer and the smartphone, for example. This makes TV viewing more and more the province of older Americans, who have been watching the boob tube ever since the kids of the baby-boom generation welcomed the first TV set their parents brought into the house.
Serra canonization should be call to respect cultures, superior says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceROME - The canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra honours a famous missionary who was motivated by love of God, but it also is a call to recognize how the process of evangelization must respect peoples and their cultures, said the head of the Franciscan order.
Papal parenting guide: Francis delivers his own how-to for families
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServicePope Francis knows the family is made up of real people living in the real world, which is why he often gives down-to-earth advice.
Videos on value of fetal tissue prompt renewed call to pro-life awareness
By Mike Nelson, Catholic News ServiceOXNARD, Calif. - It is uncertain that a California pro-life group's ongoing series of undercover videos that show Planned Parenthood officials discussing the illegal marketing and sale of fetal tissue will lead to defunding for the nation's leading provider of abortion services.
'Women Betrayed' rallies across U.S. urge defunding of Planned Parenthood
By Christine Young, Catholic News ServiceSALT LAKE CITY - Pro-life advocates from across the Salt Lake Valley rallied peacefully in front of Planned Parenthood July 28, calling for state and federal officials to investigate and defund Planned Parenthood.
Cardinal says Planned Parenthood videos illustrate 'throwaway culture'
By Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley said that Planned Parenthood officials' videotaped descriptions of how fetal tissue and organs are procured for researchers during abortions illustrates what Pope Francis calls today's "throwaway culture."
Exhibit honours how St. John Paul changed Catholic-Jewish relations
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Helping to inaugurate an exhibit at the Vatican, the chief rabbi of Rome noted just how much "times have changed."