WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The numbers don't lie. Once again, there are more Catholics in Congress than members of any other religious denomination. And the numbers stay strong term after term. Even though Catholics account for only about 22 percent of the U.S. population -- admittedly the largest...
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  Q. Recently, on Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception (which is always a holy day of obligation) occurred on a Monday. Our church, a large suburban parish with three priests in residence, scheduled Masses for the feast only on Monday. (On Sunday evening, there was the regularly sche...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Mothers are indispensable to society and the church, showing the world what it means to generously give oneself for others, to respect life and to display tenderness and moral strength even in times of trouble, Pope Francis said. Speaking to some 4,000 people gathered indoors...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A pope's impact on the College of Cardinals is naturally discussed after his death when his nominees and those of his predecessors enter the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Voting in a conclave is the heaviest and most visible responsibility that comes with a red hat, but...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Underscoring the geographical diversity of his selections, Pope Francis named 15 cardinal electors "from 14 nations of every continent, showing the inseparable link between the church of Rome and the particular churches present in the world." In addition to 15 new electors, Po...
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Q. Recently, in answer to a reader's question, you suggested that applause for a musical performance during the Mass is inappropriate and breaks the flow of the liturgy. May I invite consideration of a possible addendum to your comments? There are faith communities in the U.S. where applause during...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Peace is a gift that comes through prayer and through small daily efforts to sow harmony in one's family, parish and community, Pope Francis said. "At the beginning of this new year, we are all called to reignite in our hearts a spark of hope, which must be translated into con...
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WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "The biggest human rights rally in the world," as one regular participant described it, will return to the nation's capital for the annual March for Life Jan. 22. The 42nd rally on the National Mall and march to Capitol Hill marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1973 ruli...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The crying of Baby Jesus is not the only cry people should hear on Christmas; many children around the world are crying because of war, maltreatment and abuse, Pope Francis said. "Baby Jesus," he said Dec. 25, pausing for effect. "My thoughts today go to all children who are a...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At his last weekly public audience of 2014, Pope Francis started a series of talks on the family with a reflection on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph as a model for all Christian families. The pope spoke Dec. 17 after getting cheers, balloons and even a birthday...
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