China’s ruling Communist Party continues to persecute at least half of China’s more than 12 million Catholics despite last September’s agreement with the Vatican on the appointment of bishops.
Questions remain despite Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments
U.S. pro-lifers set the tone for movement to end abortion overseas
As if tariffs, climate change and immigration policy weren’t enough to put a wedge between Canada and the U.S., abortion legislation across the states — and the lack of a law in Canada — has become another thorny political issue between the two allies.
Thousands join Hong Kong vigil commemorating Tiananmen massacre
Tens of thousands of people commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre at a candlelight vigil in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park.
Faith sustains northern Alberta residents who fled wildfires
The Chuckegg Creek blaze is the largest of 29 wildfires that have scorched thousands of square miles in northern Alberta. Overall, 10,000 people have fled from their homes in the region.
California bill aims to protect children by breaking seal of confession
California state Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill has introduced legislation that would require priests in the state to report to authorities information related to child sexual abuse learned in a confession.
Challenges to seal of confession attributed to clergy sex abuse scandals
For centuries, the Catholic Church has maintained that what a penitent says to a priest in the confessional is strictly confidential, but in 2019 that rite continues to be challenged by governments.
Vatican names Filipino boy who died at 17 Servant of God
Darwin Ramos, a Filipino teenager who died in 2012 at the age of 17, could be on his way to sainthood after the Vatican declared him a Servant of God in March.
Laity not playing ‘gotcha’ with bishops on abuse, review board chair says
Francesco Cesareo, chair of the National Review Board, told Catholic News Service June 3 that laypeople want transparency and openness from the bishops and the sooner the prelates put aside their guardedness about welcoming laity as partners, the sooner the U.S. church will heal.