Isolating Syria from the international community through sanctions “benefits no one” and complicates relief efforts to the millions left homeless after earthquakes devastated the country, said a top Vatican official who visited Turkey and Syria.
Feature
Catholic immigration advocates condemn proposed Biden border rule
The Biden administration Feb. 21 proposed its most restrictive border control measure to date, announcing it plans to issue a temporary rule blocking asylum-seekers who cross the border without authorization or who do not first apply for protections in other nations before coming to the United States.
Person or thing?
Violence against the unborn and violence against the chronically and terminally ill are indeed manifestations of the culture of death – the cheapening of human life.
U.S. bishops call for prayer, fasting and aid to end Ukraine war
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks its first anniversary, the U.S. bishops’ international policy chairman pleaded for peace amid a war that has left “no corner of the globe untouched.”
Six sainthood candidates, including two lay women, closer to canonization
In a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the pope signed decrees Feb. 23 recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of an Italian religious sister and the heroic virtues of five others: two laywomen, two priests and a religious woman.
Mount St. Mary’s launches public phase of $50 million capital campaign, bolstering healthcare and STEM programs
Mount St. Mary’s initiated the public phase of a $50 million capital campaign in February. “Our Mission, Our Moment, Our Mount” was launched privately in June 2021 and has already raised $24 million of its goal.
Pope expresses concern for Syria; urges continued work for Christian unity
Pope Francis prayed that the sanctions in force against Syria since 2011 will not prevent aid from reaching the tens of thousands of victims in dire need after earthquakes killed more than 5,000 people and left many more injured or homeless.
Putin’s suspension of key US-Russia nuclear arms treaty increases global risk, say experts
After Russian President Vladimir Putin said Feb. 21 that Russia will suspend its participation in a key nuclear arms treaty, Catholic scholars and other experts called the move concerning for the world.
A bishop ‘must preach, inspire people to long for the Lord,’ cardinal tells new auxiliaries
Newly ordained Bishops Juan R. Esposito-Garcia and Evelio Menjivar-Ayala promised to “proclaim with fidelity and constancy the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and to “always be kind and sympathetic to the poor, immigrants and with all those in need.”
Suspect in shooting death of LA Bishop O’Connell charged with murder
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Feb. 22 that the suspect arrested in the shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell has been charged with murder.
Mourners pray for healing, forgiveness amid shock of bishop’s murder
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles made an unannounced visit to the suburban parish to pray with a community still in shock over the murder of their neighbor, Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell.
Biden attends Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated in Warsaw hotel room by anti-communist priest
Wrapping up his three-day visit to Poland Feb. 22, President Joe Biden attended Ash Wednesday Mass in his hotel room in Warsaw.