Catholic parishes, schools and other institutions in Illinois are called on to ring their bells for four minutes at 2:15 p.m. April 9 in honor of the 150th anniversary of the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army in Appomattox County, Virginia.The Catholic bishops of Illinois aske

Over 3,000 people filled L.A. cathedral to mark anniversary of assassination.

The bishops of Nebraska called for repeal of the state's death penalty and reform of the criminal justice system.Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln and Bishop William J. Dendinger of Grand Island said in March 17 statement that while Catholic teaching allows c

Organizing for the World Meeting of Families and the visit by Pope Francis to Philadelphia in September has taken a major step forward with the announcement of the 15 committees and leadership charged with spearheading operations in hospitality, liturgy, volunteers and more.Executives for the events

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the announcement that Pope Francis would visit the United Nations the morning of Sept. 25 to address the U.N. General Assembly.In a statement March 18, the United Nations also said the pope would meet separately with the secretary-general and with the pres

"Her life of service to the Catholic press, the USCCB and the church is...a model for all."

Debate over the death penalty and a proposal to reinstate a firing squad in Utah "seems to suggest growing recognition among legislators of the precarious place any state occupies when it tries to take on a role best left to God," said Bishop John C. Wester."At its core, the death pen

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been unable to confirm the number of its members abducted in Syria, as well as where they are being held."We're waiting for news," Helene Afriat, communications officer for the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in P

The Catholic Church firmly opposes the death penalty and urges all states to move toward its abolition, said the Vatican's permanent observer to United Nations agencies in Geneva."My delegation contends that bloodless means of defending the common good and upholding justice are possible and

Four nationally circulated Catholic publications called for abolishing the death penalty in the United States in a jointly published editorial.America, National Catholic Register, National Catholic Reporter and Our Sunday Visitor urged their readers, the U.S. Catholic community and people of faith t