Catholic News

News, Courtesy of Catholic News Agency

Placido Domingo records musical album based on poetry of John Paul II

The Spanish tenor Placido Domingo has made an album of songs based on poems written by Pope John Paul II. Titled "Infinite Love," the album will be presented in the Vatican next Friday. (Nov 23)

Tough times on Wall Street impact local charities

Though many eyes are fixed on Wall Street, others are focused on local charitable organizations as they struggle to meet the increasing needs of the community while receiving fewer donations. The recent tough economic times have forced the charities to get creative with their programming and services. (Nov 22)

Biden experiencing troubled conscience over abortion, says Bishop Aquila

Following the Fall meeting of the U.S. Catholic bishops in Baltimore, where they pledged not to yield ground to the incoming Obama administration on the issue of abortion, Bishop Samuel Aquila has revealed that vice president-elect Joe Biden is struggling with his conscience over his support for abortion. (Nov 22)

Texas pregnancy center is finalist in 25,000 internet contest

The CareNet Pregnancy Center of Central Texas is a finalist in a contest for a 25,000 office makeover from Perry Office Supply in which internet users may vote. (Nov 22)

Pew study finds election coverage of religion was shallow

A joint study conducted the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life has examined religion-focused election news coverage, finding that religion received as much coverage as race, but issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage received "minimal attention." (Nov 22)

Planned Parenthood head lashes out at Cardinal O'Malley

Dianne Luby, the head of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts has responded to comments by Cardinal Sean O'Malley after the prelate criticized President-elect Obama and Planned Parenthood. Charging that his comments diminish his credibility, she argued that Catholics "overwhelmingly support" the "views and services" offered by Planned Parenthood and advocated by Obama. (Nov 21)

Bishops of Nicaragua condemn violence and call for peace

At the conclusion of their Plenary Assembly, the bishops of Nicaragua issued a statement reiterating their concern and sorrow as pastors "over the violence in different parts of the country, which is reopening deep wounds that our people had overcome with much effort and good will." (Nov 21)

188 martyrs 'show the way for those who believe,' Japanese bishops say

In a press release this week the bishops of Japan pointed out that the 188 Japanese martyrs to be beatified "are not political militants, they did not fight against a regime that hindered religious freedom: they were men and women of profound and authentic faith, who show the way for those who believe. Their experience is an opportunity for reflection for us all." (Nov 21)

Work begins on new Nativity scene at the Vatican

This week the Vatican City government began work on the construction of a new Nativity scene that will be on display in St. Peter's Square this Christmas. (Nov 21)

Archbishop supports Uruguayan presidential veto of abortion law

Archbishop Nicolas Cotugno of Montevideo has expressed his unreserved support of President Tabare Vasquez's historic veto of a bill that would have legalized abortion in the country. (Nov 21)