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.”
Feature
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.
Pope says Lent is time to let go of the frivolous, to choose truth, love
What matters is the truth and the love that God sees, not what is superficial, showy and self-centered, Pope Francis said during a Mass to mark the beginning of Lent.
Changes to confession and absolution coming this Lent
As part of a multiyear project to better render the Mass and other liturgical rites into English from Latin, a slight change in the prayer of absolution will be made.
Vatican: Putin suspending nuclear treaty is ‘move in the wrong direction’
Russia’s suspension of a nuclear arms treaty with the United States weakens structures promoting global security in the nuclear age, a senior Vatican official said.