News/International
Mexican controversy should help 're-clarify' Development and Peace role
By Michael Swan, The Catholic Register“It’s not a bad thing to have this moment of reflection and re-affirmation, and to see where we’re going,” Casey told The Catholic Register. “It’s unfortunate it had to come out of such negative impulses.”
Pope petitions God for Air France dead
By Lise Alves, Catholic News ServiceThe June 2 telegram, signed by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said Pope Benedict begged God to welcome those killed “into his peace and light.”
GM bankruptcy reason to pray
By Catholic News Service“The news concerning General Motors adds to the disruption and uncertainty already faced by many of our fellow citizens,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a June 1 statement. “All of those impacted by these latest developments are in my prayers.”
Pro-life leaders, groups condemn murder of Kansas abortion doctor
By Chaz Muth, Catholic News Service"We condemn this lawless act of violence," said Charmaine Yoest, president of the Americans United for Life . "The foundational right to life that our work is dedicated to extends to everyone. Whoever is responsible for this reprehensible violence must be brought to justice under the law."
Up to 35,000 Tamil civilian casualties, says Catholic aid worker
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe aid worker said Sri Lanka's military used multi-barreled rocket launchers, cluster bombs and chemical weapons in heavily populated areas held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the rebel army that once held sway in most of Sri Lanka's north and east.
Bishop praises California court for affirming voters’ right to define marriage
By Nancy Frazier O’Brien, Catholic News Service{mosimage}WASHINGTON - Speaking on behalf of his fellow Catholic bishops in California, Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton praised the California Supreme Court for upholding the voters’ affirmation of marriage as the union of a man and a woman, but expressed disappointment that the court permitted an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples to remain legally married.
The May 26 ruling of the high court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s Proposition 8 declaring that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California,” but said the voters’ decision could not be applied retroactively to those who married before the initiative was passed.
Blaire said he and his fellow bishops “are strongly committed to protecting the dignity and worth of every human person” and supported “the intent of law to provide equal protection for all.”
Sr. Sophie's Bethlehem orphanage makes sure there is room at the inn
By Catholic Register StaffSr. Sophie Boueri is small, frail and, more than simply tired from a difficult day, her face mirrors lifetime fatigue. She is 74.
Sri Lanka war over when divisions overcome
By Anto Akkara, Catholic News Service“The war is technically over. But we can celebrate the real end of war only when we are able to overcome our prejudices and live together as one people,” Bishop Joseph Vianney Fernando told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from his home May 19.
Pope asks Holy Land Christians to unite to preach hope, peace
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service"The church in the Holy Land, which has so often experienced the dark mystery of Golgotha, must never cease to be an intrepid herald of the luminous message of hope which this empty tomb proclaims," the Pope said May 15.
Pope supports Palestinian homeland
By Cindy Wooden and Judith Sudilovsky, Catholic News Service“The Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and at peace with its neighbours, within internationally recognized borders,” the Pope told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.