The religious liberty debate reaches a greater level of complexity when we turn to the “hot button” issues of abortion or LGBTQ rights. In general, Catholic hospitals and health care organizations have not been forced to perform abortions. There has been occasional push back by individuals and organizations but the courts have respected the religious
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has invited Christian and non-Christian young people from around the world to a meeting in preparation for the Synod of Bishops on youth in 2018. Before concluding his weekly general audience, the pope said the March 19-24, 2018, pre-synod meeting will be an opportunity for the church to listen
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Real hope lies in the proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, not just with one’s words but also in deeds, Pope Francis said. Christians are called to be witnesses of the resurrection through “their way of welcoming, smiling and loving” instead of just “repeating memorized lines,” the pope said Oct. 4
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer — a white stucco church just off the Las Vegas Strip and dwarfed by giant hotels, casinos and flashing neon lights — has long been a spiritual oasis for tourists. The church, with a statue of Jesus, his arms outstretched, near its entrance, became a
ROME (CNS) — Child abuse is not only a crime, it is sacrilege, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said at a world congress promoting the protection of children online. “The church has become increasingly aware of the harm experienced by victims, of their suffering and of the need to listen to them,” he
LAS VEGAS (CNS) — At an emotional interfaith prayer service at Guardian Angel Cathedral, Las Vegas Bishop Joseph A. Pepe told those filling the pews Oct. 2 that “in the face of tragedy we need each other.” “And in the face of violence, we stand together because we cannot let hate and violence have the
ROME (CNS) — With the enormous scale and devastating effects of child exploitation and abuse online, including exposure to pornography, the world must act to protect children at all costs, speakers at a world congress said. The world never said, “mission impossible” to any other public health problem, including cancer, so no one should give
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Blessed Cristobal was about 12 or 13 when he confronted his father in 1527 over drinking “pulque,” an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sap of agave plant. He poured out the pulque in the family home and told his father, a cacique (local leader) called Acxtecatl, to give up idolatry. His
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Obviously struck by the Little Sisters of Jesus he met living in a trailer among poor carnival workers outside of Rome, Pope Francis praised the way members of the order live like the people they minister to, sharing the Gospel through their solidarity, smiles and silence. Being one with the humble,
In last week’s introductory column to Catholic Social Justice teaching, we learned that we are persons in relationship to 1) God, and 2) each other. We are free agents and not robots. We obey with the full freedom of our wills and hearts, not blindly. So how do we show justice to God and to
