Vatican Pope Francis has history of defending marriage, but being open to some civil unions Pope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights.
Vatican Christian beliefs lead to opposition to death penalty, patriarch says Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is pictured in a file photo praying before a reliquary containing bone shards believed to belong to St. Peter the Apostle in Istanbul. While in Rome for a prayer meeting for peace with Pope Francis, the Orthodox patriarch spoke to Vatican News Oct. 20 about his reading of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.” CNS photo/courtesy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
U.S. All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1: History and traditions The author of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2).
Chicagoland Msgr. Meyer, archdiocese’s oldest priest, dies at 100 Msgr. Charles R. Meyer, who had been the oldest living archdiocesan priest, died Oct. 15. He was 100 years old and had been a priest for 75 years.
Photo Gallery Honoring the guardian angels Parishioners from Holy Guardian Angels Parish, which was formed following the merger of St. Barbara in Brookfield and St. Louise de Marillac in LaGrange Park as part of Renew My Church, took part in a service project, eucharistic procession and Mass on Oct. 3 to celebrate the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. The procession started at the St. Barbara worship site and ended at the St. Louise de Marillac worship site. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
International As refugees increase, German bishops work to include Eastern Catholics Germany’s bishops have pledged to improve the integration of Eastern Catholics in the predominant Latin-rite church, as part of ongoing plans to help migrants and refugees.
Chicagoland Study shows Catholic Charities call center prevents homelessness It might seem like common sense: Giving money to people on the brink of becoming homeless, and they are less likely to use homeless shelters.
Chicagoland COVID-19 restrictions changing way groups hold fundraising events Schools, parishes and other Catholic organizations that rely on fundraising had to figure out new ways to reach supporters when COVID-19 canceled large in-person social gatherings for the foreseeable future in March.
Chicagoland Parish welcomes refugee families, helps them settle in When Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, 1107 N. Orleans St., sponsors a refugee family arriving in Chicago, parishioners provide more than help with rent and furnishings.
U.S. Accompaniment during the trauma of pandemic By definition, trauma is a painful experience that disturbs and distresses the one who experiences it; it causes us to believe that we are fundamentally unsafe and constantly at risk, even in environments that may have felt safe before.
Vatican Pope, religious leaders pray for peace, greater care for one another The only way to end war and ensure humanity's survival is "through encounter and negotiation, setting aside our conflicts and pursuing reconciliation, moderating the language of politics and propaganda, and developing true paths of peace," Pope Francis said.