August 2019

Catholics closely 'mirror' rest of U.S. population in support for abortion, survey finds

August 13, 2019

WASHINGTON -- While a survey of more than 54,000 Americans showed little change in their attitudes between 2014 and 2018 on the legality of abortion, researchers detected movement in many demographic groups, Catholics included.

Catholic leaders welcome new wind farm project in Kenya

August 13, 2019

NAIROBI, Kenya -- As turbines turn on Africa's largest wind farm on the shores of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, Catholic leaders welcomed the project as good for the environment and important for human development.

Archbishop Prendergast decries Satanic black mass in Ottawa

August 13, 2019

OTTAWA -- A ritual Satanic black mass planned in Ottawa Aug. 17 is hateful towards Catholics and risks desecrating what they hold most precious, says Ottawa’s archbishop.

Diocese of Charlotte, N.C. priest files under independent review

August 14, 2019

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An independent investigative firm is reviewing the Diocese of Charlotte's priest personnel files as part of the diocese's effort to release the names of all clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, the diocese announced Aug. 12.

Pittsburgh church cancels festival after 'disturbing message'

August 15, 2019

WASHINGTON -- A church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Aug. 13 it was canceling a popular summer event, its parish festival, after receiving what it called "a disturbing message."

Angleus: Assumption invites people to look to heaven with hope

August 15, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Mary's assumption into heaven calls people to put aside all those insignificant, mundane and petty concerns competing for their attention and instead be drawn to God and his greatness, Pope Francis said.

Mexican bishops: No matter how life is conceived, abortion is wrong

August 15, 2019

MEXICO CITY -- The Mexican bishops' conference has expressed concerns over a Supreme Court decision that upheld a health norm allowing access to abortion in public clinics if a woman has been the victim of sexual violence.

Sudanese bishop says country is fragile after protests

August 16, 2019

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Sudanese Catholic Bishop Yunan Andali of El Obeid said his country has become too fragile, after months of protests in which demonstrators have been pushing for a civilian government.

Week of Aug 16, 2019

August 16, 2019

'Window' in New York statute of limitations opens

August 16, 2019

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York state's yearlong "window" in the statute of limitations opened Aug. 14, allowing suits to be filed by victims alleging abuse by priests, church workers and employees of public schools, hospitals and other institutions no matter how long ago the alleged abuse occurred.

Bishops, religious in Colombia listen to Amazonians before syond

August 17, 2019

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Bishops, nuns, priests and residents of the Amazon basin met in Colombia's capital city in mid-August to prepare for a special Synod of Bishops for the Amazon this fall at the Vatican.

Disrespect for life seen as factor in gun violence

August 17, 2019

WASHINGTON -- In this American age of violence, where 165 shootings happened this year alone, where politicians scream at each other across the aisle about gun laws and Second Amendment rights without even the common ground of mutual respect, religious leaders, scholars and TV personalities alike notice a more insidious problem with American culture.

God's Word on Sunday: There are no shortcuts on path to God

August 18, 2019

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 25 (Year C) Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30 What part about “all nations and tongues” do we not understand?

Church-backed petition has 1 million-plus names seeking elections in Congo

August 18, 2019

OXFORD, England -- Catholic leaders in Congo have gathered more than 1.5 million signatures on a petition that demands local elections to curb corruption and strengthen democracy.

St. Michael's College School Respect and Culture Committee releases statement

August 19, 2019

The following is a statement from St. Michael’s College School, released Aug. 15, following its examination of the SMCS Respect and Culture Committee. The committee was struck following a series of hazing incidents at the school that came to light in December.

Christians in northeast Syria appeal for prayer for safety

August 19, 2019

AMMAN, Jordan -- Groups representing Christians in northeast Syria are appealing for prayer, fearful that Turkey plans to make good its numerous threats to invade the region with its military forces.

Church must be prudent judging Medjugorje apparitions, Vatican official says

August 19, 2019

KNOCK, Ireland -- Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, is a place of prayer, conversion and pilgrimage for millions of people, but the church must be prudent and not rush to any judgment on the alleged Marian apparitions there, said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.

Jury finds Washington priest guilty on four counts of child sexual abuse

August 19, 2019

WASHINGTON -- A Capuchin Franciscan priest was found guilty Aug. 15 of four counts of child sexual abuse stemming from when he served as a parochial vicar at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington.

Historic Assumption church in Windsor to re-open permanently

August 19, 2019

WINDSOR, Ont. -- Our Lady of Assumption Church, the “mother church” in southwestern Ontario and oldest parish west of Montreal, will reopen Sept. 8.

Angelus: Christians choose fidelity to Gospel over hypocrisy

August 19, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Christians must not be hypocrites, Pope Francis said.