For Catholic astronauts, flying to space doesn't mean giving up the faith
By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - On the International Space Station there's a place, while filled with robotic equipment, where astronauts like to hang out. Called the Cupola, the small module has seven large bay windows that give crew members a panoramic view of Earth.
50 years ago, Time asked if God was dead? Millions today would say no
By Mark Pattison, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON - It hit like the proverbial ton of bricks: the Time magazine cover story of April 8, 1966 — Good Friday that year — asking, “Is God Dead?”
Canadian bishops point to "Amoris Laetitia" in fight against euthanasia
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA — Canada’s Catholic bishops are glad to count Pope Francis as an ally in their fight against euthanasia. The bishops were anxious to point out how strong the Pope rejects euthanasia in his post-synodal exhortation Amoris Laetita: On Love in the Family, Apr. 8, noting in its teachings its rejection of euthanasia.
Document on family develops doctrine, doesn't change it, says Schonborn
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' document on the family reflects an "organic development" of Church teaching and doctrine, said Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, theologian and participant in both Synods that dealt with the topic.
Gestures, spirituality are essential in family life, Pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Simple gestures such as a kind look or a morning kiss and family prayer can strengthen couples in living out their vocation to marriage, Pope Francis said in his apostolic exhortation.
Share truth of family with mercy, Pope says in apostolic exhortation
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – The same mercy and patience that are essential for building a strong family must be shown to those whose families are in trouble or have broken up, Pope Francis said in his highly anticipated post-synodal apostolic exhortation.
Pope to visit Lesbos to highlight plight of refugees
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - In an effort to highlight the dramatic situation of refugees left in limbo on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis and other Christian leaders will meet with the migrants April 16.
Pope asks for new Catholic institutions of mercy, charity
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis asked Catholic dioceses around the world to set up a permanent memorial of the Year of Mercy by establishing a hospital, home for the aged or school in an under-served area.
Only 50 per cent of Italians call themselves Catholic
By Josephine McKenna, Religion News ServiceROME - Italy may be the spiritual home of 1.2 billion members of the Catholic Church around the world, but a new poll shows only 50 per cent of Italians consider themselves Catholic.
Reconcile with God, resurrect hope in others, Pope urges at Easter
By Cindy Wooden and Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Easter is a feast of hope, a celebration of God's mercy and a call to pray for and assist all who suffer, Pope Francis said before giving his solemn blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world).
Mary launched path to salvation
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterLady Day — the Catholic feast, not 1940s jazz diva Billie Holiday — doesn’t get much attention. It almost always falls too close to Easter and with the many Marian feasts crowding the Catholic calendar, it’s hard to make time for the Feast of the Annunciation. This year it has been moved from its usual March 25 to April 4 so it does not conflict with Good Friday.