News/International

Catholic aid agencies are working alongside other international humanitarian organizations to house, feed and administer additional life-saving assistance to tens of thousands of people in Syria and Turkey.

U.S. prelates spar in the media over the Eucharist, 'radical inclusion' and 'heresy'

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Two U.S. prelates have recently traded what one called some "strong words" in the media, debating the reception of holy Communion, sexual sin, pastoral outreach to marginalized Catholics and allegations of heresy among church leadership.

Newly discovered ancient galaxies put spotlight on 'Big Bang Theory,' God's act of creation

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Robert Jastrow, the NASA astronomer, planetary physicist and popular author who decoded the complexities of space for a generation of Americans until his passing in 2008, told the witty tale of a scientist whose life was ruled by faith in the power of reason. Ultimately arriving at the highest peak in his quest to conquer the mountains of ignorance, the scientist scales the final summit -- only to find himself "greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries."

Archeologists’ race against time in Jerusalem

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One of Israel’s leading archeologists working on the Pilgrimage Road excavation near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount said that with so much new construction underway around the Holy City the rush is on to document and preserve the past before it’s too late.

Anglicans in Global South are 'heartbroken' by Church of England decision to bless same-sex marriages

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Anglican leaders in the Global South say the decision by the Church of England to allow clergy to bless same-sex unions has strengthened their resolve to reset, reform and renew the worldwide Communion.

Suspect in shooting death of LA Bishop O'Connell charged with murder

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The suspect in the shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell was formally charged with murder Feb. 22 after admitting to killing him.

LA sheriff details arrest of suspect in shooting death of Bishop O'Connell

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A 65-year-old Hispanic man was taken into custody the morning of Feb. 20 by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies as the prime suspect in the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell of Los Angeles.

New earthquake hits Turkey and Syria, killing 6; death toll from earlier quake rises to 47,000

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A new earthquake struck the border area between Turkey and Syria the night of Feb. 20, sparking fear and anxiety for people already bereft and for those helping them since the Feb. 6 temblor. Six people were reported killed in the new quake.

LA Bishop found fatally shot in his home; death ruled a homicide

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Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell, a native of Ireland who spent most of his four decades as a priest ministering in LA's inner city, was shot and killed Feb. 18 in his Hacienda Heights home, a neighborhood east of LA.