Catholic News

News, Courtesy of Catholic News Agency

Virginia legislators drop bill restricting pregnancy centers, praise them instead

Rather than passing two bills headed by abortion supporters which aimed to impose restrictions on pregnancy centers, Virginia legislators chose to pass a resolution this week that praised the pregnancy centers work. (Mar 12)

Vandals tear down pro-life posters and attack Australian campaigner

A pro-life campaigner in Australia was assaulted with rocks and a waste bin after he recorded people taking down pro-life election posters. He suffered a possible broken arm in the attack, which caused pro-life candidate Trevor Grace to voice concern about the well-being of his supporters. (Mar 12)

Homilies should not exceed eight minutes, advises Vatican prelate

In a new book consisting of reflections based on the 2008 Synod on the Word of God, the secretary for the Synod of Bishops, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, writes that homilies should not last more than eight minutes. (Mar 11)

Catholic bishops maintain celibacy not linked to pedophilia

After media outlets misinterpreted an article by Cardinal Christoph Schnborn to say that he is questioning the Church's rule of priestly celibacy, several high ranking churchmen have spoken out in praise of celibacy as a gift. They also dismissed the idea that celibacy is connected to pedophilia. (Mar 11)

'Union of Mothers' formed in Spain to protect women and motherhood

Dozens of Spanish women protested at the country's Ministry of Health on Monday, the International Day for Women, and announced the formation of a Union of Mothers" to stand up for the rights of stay-at-home moms. (Mar 11)

Pope to visit Evangelical Lutheran Community of Rome next Sunday

This coming Sunday afternoon the Holy Father will pay a visit to a Lutheran Church in Rome. The much anticipated appearance is the fruit of an invitation made in 2008 on the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit there. (Mar 11)

Dutch Catholic leaders call for external investigation of sex abuse cases

Following meetings between leaders of religious orders in Holland and members of the Dutch Bishops' Conference, the Dutch Church announced that it will seek an "external, broad and independent" inquiry into cases of possible sexual abuses in religious schools. They asked for forgiveness and assured that they will listen to victims. (Mar 11)

Man's happiness and fulfillment depend on religious freedom, asserts Vatican official

The secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop Mario Toso, remarked this week that, "man's happiness and complete fulfillment depend on religious freedom," adding that religion's "public value" must be recognized. (Mar 11)

Benedict XVI sends condolences for death of Egyptian Sheikh

The Pope remembered the Grand Imam and Sheikh of al-Azhar University, Dr. Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, after his death on Wednesday. Sheikh Tantawi was instrumental maintaining relations between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world and was the head of the highest Islamic religious authority in Egypt, the al-Azhar. (Mar 11)

Father Lombardi responds to Pontifical Academy for Life member, refutes claims

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi responded to an open letter this week sent to him by Christine de Vollmer, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. His response, in which he called one of de Vollmer's claims against him "deceptive" and "calumnious," was discussed in a new column by Vatican analyst Sandro Magister. (Mar 11)