Catholic News

News, Courtesy of Catholic News Agency

Marriage is proof of God's love, hope for Italy's future, teaches Italian cardinal

Through the sacrament of marriage, Italy can counteract "a true race towards death," said the head of Italian bishops on Sunday. He explained that a family founded on marriage is proof from God "that the future exists." (Sep 2)

Vatican cardinal calls on Melkites to be bridge between East and West

The prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, called on Melkite Catholics in Argentina to be a bridge of communion between the East and the West. (Sep 2)

Study shows Salvadoran majority supports president's pro-life decision

A new poll has revealed that 93 percent of Salvadorans oppose the legalization of abortion. In addition, 76 percent support the decision by President Mauricio Funes to reject the "Brasilia Consensus" which promotes the legalization of abortion in Latin American countries. (Sep 2)

Pope and Israeli president hope for peace in Holy Land

As the Palestinian and Israeli governments seek an agreement in Washington D.C., the Israeli president and Pope Benedict XVI hoped for "lasting peace" on Thursday. The Pope was recognized by the Nobel Prize-winning Israeli leader Shimon Peres during a meeting between the two as the "Shepherd" leading to the "the fields of peace." (Sep 2)

Chance to win 500k for Catholic school creates national buzz

The opportunity for a Catholic high school in Nebraska to win 500,000 to help build a new kitchen is creating excitement and drawing voters from around the diocese, the city and Catholics of all ages across the nation. (Sep 2)

Cardinal Danneels' lawyer: Media coverage of abuse victim meeting was character assassination

In a new development concerning claims that Cardinal Godfried Danneels asked a sexual abuse victim to cover up a bishop's abuse, the cardinal's lawyer has accused a newspaper of committing "character assassination" on the prelate using selective highlighting and "extremely biased commentary." (Sep 2)

Judge dismisses 'with prejudice' sex abuse charges against Catholic priest

A judge in West Virginia has dismissed all charges against a Catholic priest from Cincinnati who was accused of molesting a 10-year-old boy in 1991. Attorneys for the priest, who was suspended for over a year because of the allegations, said the ruling found that the accuser had manipulated and falsified evidence. (Sep 2)

Adequate flood protection denied to religious minorities in Pakistan, Catholic source claims

A Catholic Church figure in Pakistan has charged that local authorities decided with "deliberate intention" not to provide adequate flood protection to regions with high numbers of minority religious groups, including Christians and Hindus. (Sep 2)

Bishop explains necessity of openness; emphasizes danger of relativism

Bishop Juan Ruben Martinez of Posadas, Argentina said the Church must conserve her identity when reaching out to non-believers, as "openness" as a Church, does not mean falling into relativism. (Sep 1)

Archbishop Koch pledges unity with Pope as he assumes new Vatican post

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is not an entity independent from the Pope, its new president confirmed on Wednesday. Archbishop Kurt Koch spoke with L'Osservatore Romano newspaper about some of the highlights from his meetings with the Pope this past week. (Sep 1)