The Catholic mother, who spent nearly a decade on death row in Pakistan after she was falsely accused of blasphemy against Islam, wants to live closer to French writer Anne-Isabelle Tollet, who was influential in her fight for freedom and helped her to write her autobiography, “Enfin Libre” (Finally Free).
World News
Leap year’s extra day has a Catholic origin
Did you know the present system of calculating the leap years was designed around fixing the date of Easter?
Intellectually disabled L’Arche members react to news of Vanier abuse
For the adults with disabilities who are the core members of L’Arche, news that Jean Vanier sexually abused six women over a 35-year period hit particularly hard.
Shut off cellphone, open Bible for Lent, pope tells faithful
Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one’s life in order to better hear God and those who suffer silently and need help, Pope Francis said.
Northern Italian dioceses take drastic measures against coronavirus
With the biggest two days of celebration and costume parades left, the famous pre-Lenten “Carnevale” of Venice was canceled as were Ash Wednesday services and even funeral Masses throughout the diocese.
High court to examine religious liberty, foster care by same-sex couples
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Feb. 24 that in its next term it will examine if the city of Philadelphia can exclude a Catholic social services agency from the city’s foster care program because the agency will not accept same-sex couples as foster parents.
Pope recognizes miracle in sainthood cause of young tech whiz
Pope Francis formally recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager who the pope has said is a role model for young men and women today.
Jean Vanier had ‘manipulative’ sexual relationships with six women
Jean Vanier, founder of the ecumenical L’Arche communities that provide group homes and spiritual support for people with intellectual disabilities, used his status to have “manipulative” sexual relationships with at least six women, concludes an internal investigation commissioned by the organization.
Pope says revision of canon law section on crime, penalties is necessary
The 12-year process of updating the Code of Canon Law section dealing with crimes and penalties was necessary “to make it more organic and responsive to new situations and problems,” Pope Francis said.
Priest hopes being in spotlight at Groban concert can inspire good
A priest who sang at a Josh Groban concert has become a viral sensation.
Being meek does not mean being a pushover, pope says at audience
Those who are meek are patient, gentle and merciful, drawing people together and salvaging relationships, Pope Francis said.
Catholic Scout councils not affected by bankruptcy case, chairman says
Boy Scout councils and units sponsored by Catholic parishes and other entities will not be affected by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed by the Boy Scouts of America, said the chairman of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.