WASHINGTON – In response to the Executive Order signed today by President Trump, “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement from its spokesperson, Chieko Noguchi, executive director of public affairs: “While the USCCB does not take a position on the institutional structure…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church needs to expand its safeguarding efforts to include the new threats and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, top organizers of a Vatican conference said. “We are really currently in a war” on two fronts when it comes to protecting children from abuse and mistreatment, Joachim von Braun, president…
Reading 1 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 The LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis no longer needs the “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” he has used most nights since experiencing a breathing “crisis” Feb. 28, his doctors reported in a bulletin released by the Vatican press office March 19. “The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving,” the bulletin said. In addition to…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Amid widespread uncertainty and social fragmentation, Pope Francis urged young people to embrace their vocation as “pilgrims of hope,” offering their lives generously in service to others and as a response to God’s love. Every vocation in the church — to ordained ministry, consecrated life or life as a layperson —…
Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the…