New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y., are seen in this composite photo. (CNS composite/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters, and Gregory A. Shemitz)

Supreme Court blocks New York coronavirus limits on churches and synagogues

by Jessica Gresko—Associated Press November 26, 2020

The justices split 5-4 with new Justice Amy Coney Barrett in the majority. It was her first publicly discernible vote as a justice.

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Faith, News

Pope Francis laments ‘synodal paths’ that lack the Holy Spirit

by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service November 25, 2020

While the pope did not mention a specific country in his remarks, he has written a letter to Catholics in Germany urging them to ensure that their “synodal path” was guided by the Holy Spirit.

Faith, News

Who will President Joe Biden listen to on faith matters?

by Jack Jenkins - Religion News Service and Emily McFarlan Miller - Religion News Service November 25, 2020

Joe Biden will likely bring a more formal and interfaith approach to religious engagement, closer to the model forged by Bush and Obama. Here are a number of faith leaders Biden will likely end up consulting.

A large sanctuary with reddish brown pews is empty, from the distance, Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes can be seen standing on a white square platform at the end of the pews, preaching to the empty space. A large organ and array of flag are on the wall behind the altar.

News, Politics & Society

Mexican church and civic leader cancel public Guadalupe celebrations

by David Agren - Catholic News Service November 25, 2020

Mexican church and civic officials have canceled public feast celebrations for Mexico’s patroness at her shrine in Mexico City due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Faith, News

Like Joe Biden, many Catholics find the rosary to be a comfort and anchor in crisis

by Bob Smietana- Associated Press November 24, 2020

The president-elect often carries a set of rosary beads with him that once belonged to his son Beau, who died in 2015.

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News, Politics & Society

Washington’s soon-to-be cardinal says he won’t deny Joe Biden Communion

by Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service November 24, 2020

Wilton D. Gregory said he hopes to collaborate where possible while respectfully pointing out where President-elect Joe Biden’s policies diverge from Catholic teaching.

News, Politics & Society

China criticizes Pope Francis over comment on Uighur Muslim minority

by Associated Press November 24, 2020

China criticized Pope Francis on Tuesday over a passage in his new book in which he mentions suffering by China’s Uighur Muslim minority group.

News, Politics & Society

New York state sues Buffalo diocese over priest misconduct

by Carolyn Thompson - Associated Press November 23, 2020

New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo and two former church leaders, alleging they covered up allegations of sexual misconduct and misused charitable assets.

Faith, News

Pope Francis meets with NBA players at the Vatican to discuss social justice

by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service November 23, 2020

NBA players have been vocal on social justice issues throughout the year, especially after the shocking death of George Floyd by police officers in May sparked massive protests across the United States.