Photo Caption: Newly-elected Pope Francis leaves flowers in front of the “Salus Populi Romani,” (“Salvation of the Roman People”) a Marian icon in a chapel of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. By: By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis began his first full day as pope with […]
Continue readingNASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) — The Diocese of Nashville and seven other Catholic entities operating in the diocese have withdrawn their appeal of a judge’s dismissal of their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal government’s mandate to provide health insurance coverage for artificial contraception and other services the church teaches are immoral. The appeal to […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Mass for the installation of a new pope could be celebrated March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church. The new pope also would likely recite the Angelus March 17 with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Asked March 13 whether the feast of St. Joseph […]
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Photo Caption: Cardinals from around the world enter the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel March 12 as they begin the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. By: By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite the rain, thousands of people filled St. Peter’s Square after dark March 12, the first evening […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Centuries ago, prior to mass media, popes and the conclaves to elect them did not have the worldwide attention they do now, a historian told reporters. Jesuit Father Norman Tanner, dean of church history at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University, told reporters March 11 that the papal candidates from all over the […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — The College of Cardinals thanked retired Pope Benedict XVI for his “tireless work” and example of “generous pastoral concern.” Meeting during the second day of pre-conclave gatherings at the Vatican, the 148 cardinals present sent a telegram to the former pope, who moved to the papal villa of Caste Gandolfo the […]
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Photo Caption: Pope Benedict XVI greets Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan during a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 16. By: By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI is considering making some changes to the conclave rules and rituals before he leaves office Feb. 28, the Vatican spokesman […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Pope Benedict XVI officially leaves office at 8 p.m. Feb. 28, most of the top-level Vatican officials lose their jobs, but that does not mean the majority of Vatican employees get a vacation. Although Catholics inside and outside the Vatican love to complain about its unwieldy bureaucracy, coordinating the universal […]
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — One task facing the College of Cardinals already has been completed: A job description for the Catholic Church’s chief evangelizer already is written. He must be humble, but firmly grounded in church teaching; joyful and enthusiastic; willing to listen to and dialogue with others; and courageous in defending human rights, including […]
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Photo Caption: Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, faulted the proposed rules for maintaining an “inaccurate distinction among religious ministries.” By: By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The new proposed rules issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding insurance coverage of contraceptives show movement […]
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