Nation 

Pope mourns victims of ‘senseless’ Las Vegas shooting

By Elise Harris, CNA/EWTN News

On Monday Pope Francis offered his condolences and spiritual support to victims of a deadly shooting in Las Vegas that left at least 50 people dead and 200 more wounded when a gunman opened fire at a country music festival.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas, Pope Francis sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy,” read an Oct. 2 telegram signed by Vatican…

Knights of Columbus aid natural disaster victims in Puerto Rico and Mexico

By CNA/EWTN News

To provide relief after a spate of recent natural disasters, the Knights of Columbus have raised over $2.8 million worth of aid to be distributed to the Caribbean and Mexico, and to the southeastern states of the United States.  

“Charity has always been the defining characteristic of the Knights of Columbus, and people – both those in distress and those who want to help – have placed a great deal of trust in us,” the Knights’…

US Senate committee advances bill to aid Christians in Iraq

By Matt Hadro, CNA/EWTN News

A Senate committee on Tuesday voted to advance a bill that seeks to ensure U.S. aid reaches Christian genocide victims in Iraq.

“The vote from this morning is an important step toward providing relief for those victims of the genocide committed by ISIS,” Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), one of the sponsors of H.R. 390, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017, stated.

Christians in Iraq who were forcibly displaced from their…

Judge temporarily blocks Texas’ ‘dismemberment abortion’ ban

By CNA/EWTN News

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked part of a Texas law that bans dilation-and-evacuation abortions in the second trimester.

“While some pro-lifers may be tempted to despair at today’s ruling, this is the first step in a longer and consequential legal battle over this dynamic and historic legislation,” Texas Right to Life said in an Aug. 31 statement.

The group said the important question is “whether this type of procedure is something Texas has the right…

In Labor Day message, bishops call for ordered understanding of work

By CNA/EWTN News

In their 2017 statement for Labor Day, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stressed a properly ordered understanding of work, which prioritizes the worker and the family.

This vision of work must ensure safe working conditions, show solidarity with those in poverty, and seek to emphasize the dignity of the worker rather than solely economic gain, the statement emphasized.

“Economic stresses contribute to a decline in marriage rates, increases in births outside of two-parent households, and child…

Chicago archdiocese to receive relic of Saint Teresa of Calcutta

By CNA/EWTN News

On Sept. 5, Saint Mark's Parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago will receive a first class relic of Saint Teresa of Calcutta for public veneration, which will then be permanently kept in the church.

The relic, which consists of some of Mother Teresa's hair, was requested from the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity by St. Mark's pastor Father Martin Ibarra, and parishioner Fernando Iñiguez.

Iñiguez said that they had asked for the relic to help promote…

In rare WSJ op-ed, Cardinal Sarah says Fr. Martin’s LGBT outreach falls short

By CNA/EWTN News

Catholic outreach to LGBT individuals must always include the truth about Catholic teaching and chastity, Cardinal Robert Sarah said in an article responding to Jesuit priest Fr. James Martin.

“The Catholic Church has been criticized by many, including some of its own followers, for its pastoral response to the LGBT community,” Cardinal Sarah wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal Sept. 1.

“This criticism deserves a reply, not so much to defend the Church’s practices…

Be ready to help Hurricane Harvey victims, U.S. bishops say

By CNA/EWTN News

The damage done by Hurricane Harvey is a cause for prayer and preparation to help the storm’s victims, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has said. “As the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, this crisis hits very close to home,” conference president Cardinal Daniel DiNardo said Aug. 27. “In solidarity with my brother bishops in this area of the country, I call on people of faith to pray for all of those who have been impacted by this hurricane,…

Conference of Catholic Bishops president calls for calm amid violent protests in Charlottesville

WASHINGTON – Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement in response to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia that has left one person dead and at least 19 injured.

Cardinal DiNardo’s statement follows:

“On behalf of the bishops of the United States, I join leaders from around the nation in condemning the violence and hatred that have now led to one death and multiple injuries in Charlottesville, Virginia.…