Texas judge grants exception to state abortion ban
By Kate Scanlon A Texas judge ruled Dec. 7 in favor of a pregnant mother who sued the state to seek an exemption to…
Exile: Don’t underestimate Nicaragua church’s ‘prophetic voice’ amid repression
By Gina Christian In the face of Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime, “the prophetic voice of the Catholic Church cannot be underestimated,” said an opposition leader…
On ‘goodwill tour’ to Nigeria, Kentucky bishop finds packed Masses, vibrant vocations
By Elizabeth Wong Barnstead OWENSBORO, Ky. — By the time he set off on his 16-day trip to Nigeria in October, Bishop William F….
Report: Fewer states use capital punishment, but more prisoners executed in 2023
By Kate Scanlon WASHINGTON — Just five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions in 2023, while a majority…
Women break stereotypes to encourage interreligious dialogue in violence-torn Nigeria
By Valentine Benjamin ABUJA, Nigeria — While religion was not originally an issue linked to conflicts in the country, deeply rooted religious hostility has…
Israel agrees to hostage deal with Hamas; church leaders hope it will lead to end of war
By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM — The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, expressed his happiness at the late-night hostage-exchange agreement reached between Israel…
‘Fully alive’ NCYC youth challenged to celebrate mysteries of faith, science and self
By Natalie Hoefer INDIANAPOLIS — Grace Stecker of the Diocese of Helena, Montana, pulled out her cellphone and called her dad, right in the…
Resumen: La reunión de los obispos de EE.UU. muestra un frente unido en la misión, pero no un plan de acción claro para el Sínodo
Por Peter Jesserer Smith BALTIMORE — Durante dos días, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) se reunió en asamblea plenaria en…
‘We have to defend life,’ says Sister Norma, who ministers at border amid growing tension
By David Agren McALLEN, Texas — On a Saturday afternoon at the Humanitarian Respite Center in the Texas border city of McAllen, Sister Norma…
US bishops’ meeting shows united front on mission but no clear synod action plan
By Peter Jesserer Smith BALTIMORE — For two days, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met in plenary assembly in Baltimore advancing key issues…