The encyclical takes its title from St. Francis of Assisi and is inspired by his “fraternal openness,” which, the pope said, calls on people “to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives.”
Belief in God as creator of all has practical consequences, pope says in new encyclical
U.S. bishops say ‘enough’ on federal executions
Just hours before the sixth federal execution took place this year, and two days before the next one was scheduled, two U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen called on the government to end this practice.
Setting of execution dates for federal death-row prisoners denounced
The June 15 execution dates decision for four federal prisoners on death row is denounced by critics.
Ash Wednesday: Repentance as response to redemption
The reporter persisted, “Then just one quick question. I’m Catholic, too, and I thought we couldn’t have funeral Masses for convicted killers.” I looked at her and told her that her information was wrong. Then I added, “Redemption — we either believe in it or we don’t. I do believe in it.”
The Big Question: What does it really mean to be pro-life?
Three people discuss the challenges in supporting and protecting the range of pro-life values.
Catholic leaders object to reinstatement of federal death penalty
The July 25 announcement by the Justice Department that it is reinstating the federal death penalty for the first time in 16 years was unwelcome news for Catholic leaders who have advocated against capital punishment.
Catechism revision adds impetus in death penalty abolition fight
Changes in law and public opinion have had their role to play in the quest to end capital punishment in the United States, but Catholic teaching also has played a part, according to Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center.
Pope revises catechism to say death penalty is ‘inadmissible’
Building on the development of Catholic Church teaching against capital punishment, Pope Francis has ordered a revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”