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July 2017

July 24

Health bill must protect poor, unborn and conscience rights, U.S. bishop says

July 24, 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. senators must reject any bill that would replace the Affordable Care Act unless such a measure "protects poor and vulnerable people, including immigrants, safeguards the unborn and supports conscience rights," said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' domestic policy committee.

Bishops disappointed in Texas’ demand to end protection policy for young migrants

July 24, 2017

WASHINGTON – After a Texas attorney general gave the Trump administration an ultimatum to end a policy protecting young migrants or face a lawsuit in September, the Catholic bishops of Texas expressed disappointment in a letter to the state official and blamed Congress for the uncertain future the migrants are facing.

Report on German choir abuse hailed as step in right direction

July 24, 2017

ROME, Italy – A member of Pope Francis' commission to protect minors says a new report on the abuse of more than 500 choir boys in Germany points to a current reality in many non-western countries – and that bringing these things to light means progress for everyone.

India's bishops pray new president will defend rule of law

July 24, 2017

NEW DELHI, India – The bishops of India have offered their congratulations to the country's newly elected president, Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to live out the oath he will take to serve the well-being of the people.

Pope prays for dialogue, reconciliation in Jerusalem

July 24, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called on Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land to "moderation and dialogue" as tensions continued around a key site in Jerusalem that is sacred to members of both faiths.

Churches provide refuge to Kenyans fleeing al-Shabab attacks

July 24, 2017

NAIROBI, Kenya – About 2,000 Kenyans along the coast near Somalia have taken refuge in two churches and a school, fleeing increased attacks from suspected al-Shabab militants.

Deaths in smuggler's truck 'completely senseless,' Texas archbishop says

July 24, 2017

SAN ANTONIO – The deaths of at least nine people due to heat in an alleged immigrant smuggler’s truck parked in San Antonio are an occasion for tears, prayers, and action to end such situations, the local archbishop has said.

Chinese official indicates Beijing to retain tight grip on church

July 24, 2017

HONG KONG – The Chinese Communist Party's top leader in charge of religion has made it clear that Beijing intends to retain a tight grip on the Catholic Church.

Amoris Laetitia controversy a good thing, says Archbishop Durocher

July 24, 2017

OTTAWA – Pope Francis has deliberately avoided precise language on the issue of Communion for the divorced and remarried and welcomes the ongoing debate, says the Archbishop of Gatineau, Que.

Pope Francis responds to 9-year-old’s invitation to pilgrimage

July 24, 2017

LORETO, Italy – Nine-year-old Andrea is an Italian boy who joined 130 children last month for a “Pilgrimage of Joy” to the Marian Shrine of Loreto, Italy.

Middle East church leaders plan for more marriage prep, counselling

July 24, 2017

MARJ AL HAMAM, Jordan – Mideast church leaders meeting in Jordan developed a two-pronged action plan to help Catholic families.

Charlie Gard’s parents end legal fight to take him to U.S. for treatment

July 24, 2017

LONDON — A five-month legal battle to get permission to take terminally ill baby Charlie Gard to the United States for experimental treatment ended Monday (July 24) after his parents told a British court they were withdrawing their legal challenge.

Pope, others pray as parents of Charlie Gard end legal struggle for help

July 24, 2017

MANCHESTER, England – Pope Francis is praying for the parents of Charlie Gard after a U.S. doctor told them nothing could be done to help their son.

July 25

Vatican shuts down fountains as Rome deals with drought

July 25, 2017

VATICAN CITY – While Rome reels from one of its worst droughts in decades, the Vatican is doing its part to conserve water by shutting down the city-state's 100 fountains.

U.K. porn sites to ban access for users under 18 years old

July 25, 2017

LONDON, England – As part of an increasing government crackdown on internet pornography, U.K. porn sites will soon require users to provide proof of being at least 18 years old.

One year after his murder, Fr. Jacques Hamel remembered

July 25, 2017

ROME, Italy – One year after the brutal killing of Fr. Jacques Hamel, French bishops recalled the beautiful example of the man who lived out every day in simple faithfulness, rooted in the love of Christ.

Christians need time to rebuild trust before return to Mosul region

July 25, 2017

AMMAN, Jordan – As some Iraqi Christians make a slow return to the region around Mosul following the defeat of the Islamic State group, many say it will take time to rebuild their lives and even longer to rebuild their trust of those who betrayed them.

Abductions of two priests in Congo a growing concern

July 25, 2017

(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.

CRS worker: Churches attacked, crisis worsens in Central African Republic

July 25, 2017

OXFORD, 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.

Mexican bishops don't see explosion as attack on church

July 25, 2017

MEXICO 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.