NEWS
Vatican Nativity scene sets Holy Family in rock-hewn grottos of Matera
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Christmas in St. Peter's Square this year has a particularly southern Italian flavor with a towering tree from the Molise region and a Nativity scene donated by the Basilicata region.
New charity rules don't forbid state funding, Vatican official says
By Francis X. Rocca, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - New rules issued by Pope Benedict XVI for the governance of Catholic charities will not prevent such charities from accepting government funding,
Palestinian question key to Mideast peace, say Catholic leaders
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - At the end of a three-day meeting in Lebanon, the Catholic patriarchs and bishops of the Middle East said peace in the region will be impossible without a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pope names Chatlain new archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas
By Catholic Register StaffOTTAWA - Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Murray Chatlain of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, to be the new archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, Man.
CRS, Caritas Philippines ready to speed relief to thousands after storm
By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON (CNS) -- As thousands of Philippine families remained in shelters, Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Philippines prepared to speed household supplies and water to eastern sections of Mindanao affected by powerful Typhoon Bopha.
Fantino confirms what NGOs had long suspected
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA - Non-governmental organizations and charities are finding themselves starved for funds as Canada shifts to a trade–oriented approach to overseas development.
Cardus against ‘intrusive’ union bill
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA - A Conservative MP’s private member’s bill that aims to bring more financial transparency to labour organizations is too intrusive, says Cardus, a think tank that focuses on social policy.
Advent is time to renew faith, bring God's love to others, pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Advent's liturgical preparation for Christmas calls Christians to renew their faith in the reality of God's great love and to make a commitment to bringing his love to the world today, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Thousands gather to urge Ireland not to introduce abortion bill
By Michael Kelly, Catholic News ServiceDUBLIN - Thousands of pro-life demonstrators held a candlelight vigil outside the Irish parliament Dec. 4, calling on the government not to introduce abortion legislation.
Newly beatified Indian lay martyr praised for refusing to reject faith
By Anto Akkara, Catholic News ServiceBANGALORE, India - The life of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, an 18th-century Catholic layman who was martyred for refusing to refute his faith despite being brutally tortured, was held up as an example for all Christians to embrace.
Papal events, Vatican webcam feeds streamed live with new 'Pope App'
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - The Vatican is offering a new app that provides live streaming of papal events and video feeds from the Vatican's six webcams.