Attorneys for doctors and hospitals argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit March 3 that they shouldn’t be forced to perform gender-transition surgeries required under the Affordable Care Act, stressing this is an issue of conscience.
World News
Americans’ mental health needs grow dramatically amid pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has taken an emotional toll on Americans, with mental health professionals reporting they are getting more requests for assistance from people feeling helpless and experiencing anxiety and depression.
Returning from Iraq, pope talks about ‘risks’ taken on trip
The Catholic Church’s commitment to dialogue with other churches and with other religions flows from the Gospel, but Pope Francis said he knows some Catholics disagree.
Cleanse your hearts of anger, live the Gospel, pope says at Mass in Irbil
Having witnessed or even experienced persecution for their faith, the Christians of Iraq must be careful not to harbor thoughts of revenge, Pope Francis told them.
Life triumphs over death as Christians rebuild in Iraq, pope says
Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death.
Living the beatitudes can change the world, pope says in Iraq
Pope Francis told Iraqi Christians that when they suffer discrimination, persecution or war, the Eight Beatitudes are addressed to them.
Hostility, violence are ‘betrayals’ of religion, pope says in Iraq
Traveling to the birthplace of Abraham, Pope Francis urged believers to prove their faith in the one God and father of all by accepting one another as brothers and sisters.
Pope, Iraqi Shiite leader affirm importance of dialogue, respect
In a low-key meeting followed closely in Iraq and beyond, Pope Francis and Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the influential leader of Shiite Muslims in Iraq, spent 45 minutes speaking privately.
Remains of Father Emil Kapaun, Korean War military chaplain, identified
A U.S. government forensic team announced March 4 it has identified the remains of Father Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, who was an Army chaplain and died in a Chinese prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War.
Pope: Honor martyrs by remaining faithful, working for a better Iraq
Visiting a Baghdad cathedral “hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters” murdered in a terrorist attack that shook the world, Pope Francis said their sacrifice must motivate faith and a commitment to working for the common good.
Pope arrives in Iraq, promoting peace, tolerance, equality
To consolidate peace and ensure progress, the government and people of Iraq must never treat anyone as a second-class citizen and must work each day to promote harmony, Pope Francis said.
Bishop Rhoades: Latest COVID-19 vaccine can be used in good conscience
In a new video, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine and a former rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, reiterated that use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine “can be used in good moral conscience.”