News

China’s Catholics Hope Pope Will Clarify Relations Underground Catholics in China say they hope a letter Pope Benedict XVI plans to send them will not only strengthen their faith but also clearly explain how their fractured community in the mainland can be healed. The Holy See wants us to reco

U.S. Urged to Follow Church Example on CubaThe U.S. government should emulate the Catholic Church and look for a dramatic way to improve relations with Cuba, said a U.S. lawmaker after returning from a fact-finding trip to the Caribbean island. Representative James McGovern, Democrat of Massachusett

Abbé Pierre, Helper of Poor, Dead at 94Abbé Pierre, the founder of the Emmaus Community in France, dedicated his life to fighting poverty and serving the poor, Pope Benedict XVI said. The 94-year-old priest, repeatedly voted the most respected person in France, died Jan. 22 in Paris. Informed of t

U.S. Bishop Discusses Palestinian PlightThe encroachment of Israeli settlements on Palestinian water sources must be addressed, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., said his two-day visit to view Catholic Relief Services project

Maryknoll Magazine Marks 100 YearsIn an age of e-mail, digital photography and computerized layout, the Rev. James A. Walsh might not recognize the mission publication he founded 100 years ago as The Field Afar. But Father Walsh, who went on to become a bishop and co-founder of the Catholic Foreign

This item is open to all. Click here.

False Dichotomy

Relief Efforts in Darfur Fail to Reach the NeedyDespite the efforts of Caritas Internationalis and other agencies in the war-torn Darfur region of western Sudan, a large percentage of the people who need aid do not receive it, according to the president of Caritas Internationalis, Denis Vienot. The

Church Groups Resist Contraceptive MandateClaiming that New York’s highest state court erred on several counts in upholding a state mandate that would require religious organizations to provide contraceptive prescription coverage for their employees, eight Catholic and two Protestant groups ha

Pope: Dialogue Can Help End Terrorism, War, StrifeAddressing international diplomats on his first day in Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI said respectful dialogue must be the basis for ending terrorism, wars and religious differences in the world. Religions have a key role in this dialogue, but on the cond

U.S. Policy Challenges Church Aid WorkersThe U.S. government’s policy of no contact with Hamas leaders has complicated church aid workers’ duties in the Palestinian territories, said an official of Catholic Relief Services. The United States lists Hamas as a terrorist organization, and d