Catholic News Service

Catholic News Service

LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) – Two Nigerian bishops called on the government to hasten its efforts to free 219 school girls who were abducted by insurgents two years ago.

WASHINGTON – The American religious nonprofits challenging their participation in the contraceptive mandate under the Affordable Care Act agreed with a U.S. Supreme Court proposal that such coverage be provided through an alternative health care plan without involving the religious employers in a legal brief filed with the court.

INDIANAPOLIS - A new Indiana law that protects unborn children by banning abortions based on potential disabilities, gender and race "reflects the love that God has for everyone by affirming that every human life is sacred," Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin said.

DHAKA, Bangladesh - Christian religious leaders across Asia called for Muslims to take a stand against Islamic extremists, seek reconciliation and forgiveness, and pursue a peaceful interpretation of religion in the aftermath of the Easter massacre at a public park in Pakistan.

KARACHI, Pakistan - The terrorist attack that killed more than 70 people in a Lahore park on Easter was not the first time that Christians in the Islamic country have been targeted, and observers say that, as things stand, it will not be the last time.

WASHINGTON - Mother Angelica "reflected the Gospel commission to go forth and make disciples of all nations" said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. bishops' conference.

ROME — Read the Vatican’s English translation of Pope Francis’ prayer last night at the conclusion of the Via Crucis service at Rome’s Colosseum.

VATICAN CITY — Entering in silence and lying prostrate on the floor in front of the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis commemorated Jesus' death on the cross.

KINGSBURG, Calif. - Every year on Good Friday, Catholic communities throughout the world re-enact the Way of the Cross with live performances of the story of Christ’s final journey of His earthly life as a powerful reminder of His suffering and sacrifice.

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Praying the Stations of the Cross is a popular Lenten activity for Catholics, but for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it can be a difficult, sometimes impossible challenge to follow along with the story of Jesus’ Passion.