A series of laws and procedures promulgated by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and, especially, by Pope Francis to protect children, promote the investigation of allegations of clerical sexual abuse and punish offenders are included in a heavily revised section of the Code of Canon Law.
World News
New species of screech owl in Amazon named after Sister Dorothy Stang
Dubbed the Xingu screech owl, the little creature was given a scientific name of “Megascops stangiae” in honor of the late Sister Dorothy Stang, a U.S.-born Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.
Louisiana Catholic church rolling out red carpet for lapsed gators
Alligators are a dime a dozen in south Louisiana, but Father Stephen Dardis, pastor of Holy Family Church in Luling, said he was dutifully impressed by the ambitious journey of a 7-foot gator that ended within a few feet of the front steps of the church.
Memorial Day called a reminder to nation ‘we better protect’ our freedom
Memorial Day is “for everyone who’s departed — military, nonmilitary, moms, dads, children,” stated Miller.
Pope names English archbishop to lead worship congregation
Pope Francis named English Archbishop Arthur Roche to lead the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, the Vatican said.
Movie Review: ‘Cruella’
Adults who want nothing more than to watch two gifted actresses camp it up will likely be satisfied with director Craig Gillespie’s glossy romp “Cruella” (Disney). Parents on the lookout for safe family fare, not so much.
California bishop prays for victims of another ‘senseless’ shooting
San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú urged prayers for the victims and their families after a gunman opened fired the morning of May 26 at a rail yard operated by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, or VTA, north of downtown San Jose.
USCCB president explains how planned discussion on Eucharist was set
After receiving an unprecedented letter from 67 bishops appealing for a delay in a discussion during the bishops’ upcoming spring general assembly on whether to prepare a teaching document on the reception of Communion, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ president explained in a memo the procedure followed in bringing the question to a vote during the June 16-18 virtual meeting.
Wisconsin priest says La Crosse bishop asked him to resign, but he won’t
Father James Altman, pastor of St. James the Less Parish in La Crosse, Wisconsin, told Massgoers May 23 that Bishop William P. Callahan has asked him to resign because he is “divisive” and “ineffective.”
Father Pfleger reinstated, tells parishioners: ‘Let’s get back to work’
Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich announced May 24 he is reinstating Father Michael Pfleger as senior pastor of the Faith Community of St. Sabina a “thorough review” showed “insufficient reason” to suspect the priest is guilty of abuse allegations made against him.
Thieves break into castle, steal rosary used by Mary, Queen of Scots
Burglars have stolen a set of golden rosary beads that once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Pope asks all Catholics to step up commitment to saving creation
To help lead the world’s Catholics along a journey of intensified action in caring for creation, Pope Francis asked everyone to join a new global grassroots movement to create a more inclusive, fraternal, peaceful and sustainable world.