Bishops in East Africa commit to creating ‘safe, nurturing church environment’ for minors
Members of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have expressed their commitment to creating an environment that ensures the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults in their respective episcopal sees.
Pope Francis asks Sacred Heart of Jesus to convert hearts who want war
Pope Francis prayed for the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Sunday to convert “the hearts of those who want war” to projects of dialogue and peace.
Michigan parents press case to end discrimination in school funding
A group of Michigan parents may soon get their case before the United States Supreme Court to challenge the state constitution’s broad prohibition of public funding for private and parochial schools.
Indonesian island set to become an international Catholic pilgrim destination
Flores, Indonesia’s most Catholic island located in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is set to become an international pilgrim destination following government support to boost religious tourism.
St. Junípero Serra statue targeted by protests in 2020 is now settled in a new home
July 1 is the feast day of St. Junípero Serra, the 18th-century Spanish Franciscan priest who brought Catholicism to California.
No tattoos or piercings: new rules for Vatican employees
With the publication of new regulations, Pope Francis has made it clear that employees of the Fabric of St. Peter must profess the Catholic faith, wear decent and appropriate clothing, and not have visible tattoos or piercings, among other requirements.
Iowa bishops celebrate as ‘heartbeat’ law goes into effect
The Catholic Church in Iowa is celebrating a decision by the state Supreme Court that found abortion is “not a fundamental right under the Iowa Constitution,” allowing a pro-life “heartbeat” law to take effect.
Wisconsin Supreme Court rules in favor of pro-life advocate citing ‘free speech rights’
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in late June that a court order prohibiting a pro-life advocate from approaching a Planned Parenthood employee violated his free speech rights under the First Amendment and must be overturned.
‘Summer Christmas’: Why does the Church celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist?
St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, is one of only three people in history — after Jesus and Mary — whose birthday is celebrated in the Church’s liturgy.
Pope Francis names Chinese bishop who attended Synod to Archdiocese of Hangzhou
Pope Francis has named Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang to lead the Archdiocese of Hangzhou in China, transferring him from the Diocese of Zhoucun, the Vatican announced June 22.
