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Nigerian archbishop denounces ‘nefarious’ kidnappings 

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

The kidnappings of Catholic priests and others in Nigeria must end, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja said this week. Read more

St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.

Thousands of clergy abuse records handed over to victims in Buffalo

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Diocese of Buffalo released thousands of clergy abuse documents and related records to abuse victims and their lawyers this... Read more

Catholic bishops reject proposal to decriminalize abortion in Dominican Republic

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Dominican bishops’ conference issued a statement Sunday rejecting a proposal to legalize abortion under certain conditions in a newly... Read more

Bishops call on Trump administration to stop planned federal executions

Jan 11, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Prominent U.S. bishops are imploring a halt to three federal executions scheduled for this week.  Read more

Woman sitting alone crying.

Catholic leaders speak out on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Jan 11, 2021

Catholic leaders spoke out against human trafficking on Monday, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  Read more

Pope Francis on Easter Sunday April 21, 2019.

Pope Francis opens ministries of lector and acolyte to women: A CNA Explainer

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

On Jan. 11, Pope Francis published an apostolic letter issued motu proprio (which means “on his own impulse” in Latin),... Read more

Amid complaints, Irish broadcaster again apologizes for blasphemous NYE sketch

Jan 11, 2021

After receiving thousands of complaints from citizens and vocal criticism from religious leaders, Ireland’s state broadcaster has apologized after a... Read more

A YouTube screenshot of St. Peter’s Square at night.

Why is the internet abuzz with false claims of a ‘Vatican blackout’?: A CNA Explainer

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

On Sunday, Jan. 10, the internet was abuzz with false reports of an overnight blackout at the Vatican, accompanied by... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square Feb. 26, 2020.

Pope Francis admits women to ministries of lector and acolyte in new motu proprio

Jan 11, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis issued a motu proprio Monday that changes canon law to allow women to serve as lectors and acolytes.  Read more

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox monastery on the Jordan River in the West Bank. Credit: Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida (CC BY 2.0)

Franciscan friars return to site of Christ's baptism after 50 years

Jan 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

For the first time in over 54 years, the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land were able... Read more

Priest collar.

Cardinal laments lack of priestly vocations in Florentine archdiocese

Jan 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Archbishop of Florence has said no new students have entered his diocesan seminary this year, calling the low number... Read more

Pope Francis in the apostolic library on Dec. 9, 2020. Credit: Vatican News/CNA.

Pope Francis: We need unity in the Catholic Church, society, and nations

Jan 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

In the face of political discord and self-interest, we have an obligation to promote unity, peace, and the common good... Read more

Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary of the Miraculous Medal Nov. 11, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis asks Immaculate Virgin Mary to intercede for US after Capitol violence

Jan 10, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis prayed Sunday for the United States asking the Immaculate Virgin Mary to help foster a “culture of encounter”... Read more

Vietnamese bishop: Plan for charity this Lunar New Year

Jan 10, 2021

By CNA Staff

Inspired by Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace, a Vietnamese bishop is encouraging Catholics to establish an... Read more

Pope Francis with Fabrizio Soccorsi.

Pope Francis' doctor dies from COVID-19 complications

Jan 9, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis' personal doctor, Fabrizio Soccorsi, has died from health complications related to the coronavirus, according to the Vatican. Read more

Pope Francis gives his general audience via livestream June 17, 2020.

Pope Francis 'astonished' by disruption at US Capitol

Jan 9, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has said he was surprised by the news of the incursion of pro-Donald Trump protestors into the U.S.... Read more

Incoming USCCB doctrine chair: Death penalty is part of ‘throwaway culture’

Jan 9, 2021

In an online panel Friday, the incoming chair of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine committee discussed the Church’s opposition to the... Read more

Catholic Bible in a year podcast with Father Mike Schmitz tops the charts

Jan 8, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

A Catholic podcast featuring a priest reading and analyzing the Bible has been at the top of the Apple Podcast... Read more

Vincenzo Buonomo. Credit: Pontifical Lateran University.

First lay head of disciplinary commission at Roman Curia appointed

Jan 8, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

For the first time, the Disciplinary Commission of the Roman Curia will be presided by a layperson after Pope Francis... Read more

Mick Mulvaney speaks at a February 2020 event.

Catholic former chief of staff among White House resignations

Jan 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Catholic former White House chief of staff resigned his post as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland on Thursday, following... Read more