Pope Francis asked members of the United Nations how they think they can respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more peaceful, more just world when many of their countries spend billions on military weapons and when their treatment of the unborn, of refugees and of women shows so little respect for human life.
World News
Cardinal Becciu resigns as prefect, renounces rights as cardinal
In a move apparently related to Vatican financial scandals, Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s resignation as prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes and his renunciation of the rights associated with being a cardinal, the Vatican announced late Sept. 24.
Louisville archbishop says all must now work together ‘for racial justice’
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville in a statement Sept. 23 said people should now “come together to work for racial justice,” whatever their reaction is to decisions by the grand jury and the office of Kentucky’s attorney general in the March 13 fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor by police.
Iraqi archbishop who saved ancient manuscripts nominated for EU prize
An Iraqi archbishop who helped save hundreds of ancient manuscripts from being destroyed by Islamic State militants was among the nominees for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize.
Movie Review: ‘Antebellum’
Far-fetched and ham-fisted, the grim fantasy “Antebellum” (Lionsgate) is marked by an outlook on timely racial issues that lacks both balance and a humane spirit.
Movie Review: ‘Infidel’
In dealing with religious conflict in Iran, it stereotypes Muslims as having beaky noses, scowling constantly and being prone to wishing, and committing, violence on those who disrespect Islam.
Trump says he will sign order to ensure babies born alive receive care
President Donald Trump said Sept. 23 he would sign an executive order to “ensure that all precious babies born alive, no matter their circumstances, receive the medical care that they deserve.”
Court appointment one more issue for the Catholic vote, legal experts say
If there weren’t already enough heavy considerations for Catholic voters to digest before the Nov. 3 election, there is now a Supreme Court vacancy joining a global pandemic, school choice, abortion, immigration, death penalty and other timely concerns.
British prime minister’s infant son baptized Catholic
A Catholic priest has baptized the infant son of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Vatican reaffirms, clarifies church teachings on end-of-life care
With the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia in many countries, and questions concerning what is morally permissible regarding end-of-life care, the Vatican’s doctrinal office released a 25-page letter offering “a moral and practical clarification” on the care of vulnerable patients.
Two Catholic women judges top short list as possible Supreme Court nominees
Two Catholic women judges are on the short list of possible candidates to fill the vacant Supreme Court justice seat after the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Global biotech company ends use of aborted fetal cell lines for vaccines
Catholic pro-life leaders say they are seeing some progress in the development of vaccines with the use of ethical animal cell lines instead of cell lines derived from abortions.