Archive for December 7, 2018

Dec. 7, 2018, Vatican City - St. Peter's Square with the newly illuminated Christmas tree. ?w=200&h=150

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis explains symbolism of Vatican Christmas tree and sand nativity

As the Vatican illuminated its 65-foot Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Friday, Pope Francis shared the deeper meaning found... Read more

Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who will be beatified in Oran, Algeria, Dec. 8, 2018. Courtesy Eglise catholique d'Algerie.?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Algerian martyrs shed their blood for Christ, pope says

Ahead of the beatification Saturday of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994... Read more

Pope Francis visits with residents of CasAmica, a home for the indigent sick, in a Roman suburb Dec. 7, 2018. ?w=200&h=150

By Hannah Brockhaus

Mercy Friday: Pope makes surprise visit to residence centers for the sick

Continuing his ‘Mercy Friday’ initiative, Pope Francis visited two live-in health centers in the far southern suburbs of Rome today,... Read more

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Mississippi priest under investigation for fraudulent cancer fundraising

The federal investigation of a priest who allegedly fundraised more than $42,000 fraudulently, including through a GoFundMe campaign, has led... Read more

Trump nominee for Attorney General William Barr during confirmations hearing ahead of his first term in the role in 1991. ?w=200&h=150

By Christine Rousselle

Trump announces picks for new AG and UN Ambassador

President Donald Trump announced Friday his nominations for the positions of U.S. Attorney General and Ambassador to the United Nations.  Read more

A bishop's skullcap. ?w=200&h=150

By Ed Condon

Options emerge for handling the ‘other sexual abuse crisis’

How the Church deals with clerical sexual misconduct when it does not involve minors remains a thorny issue, but an... Read more

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. ?w=200&h=150

Los Angeles archdiocese updates list of priests credibly accused of abuse

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced Thursday that it has updated its list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse... Read more

The flag of Nicaragua. ?w=200&h=150

Nicaraguan priest attacked with acid during confession

Father Mario Guevara was injured in an acid attack Wednesday while hearing confessions in the cathedral of Managua.  Read more