Pope initiates Apostolic Visitation of the Legion of Christ

VATICAN CITY, March 31 (CNA) - Fr. Alvaro Corcuera, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries of Christ, announced Tuesday that Pope Benedict XVI has requested an Apostolic Visitation of the institutions of the Legionaries of Christ that will likely begin after Easter.

Anthony Williams withdraws application for Knights of Malta

Order of Malta Federal President Noreen Falcone wrote members of the Order saying that former Washington D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams had retracted his application to the Order due to protests from members.

U.S. State Department overlooks ‘especially dire’ religious freedom violations in Iraq

WASHINGTON D.C., March 31 (CNA) - Newly public information shows that the U.S. State Department in January rejected a recommendation that Iraq be named a Country of Particular concern due to “especially dire” threats to minorities’ religious freedoms.

Pope reflects on moments of joy-filled Africa trip

En route to Rome from Africa, Pope Benedict spoke with journalists about his impressions of the African Church. The Holy Father said that he was impressed with the awareness of the sacred at the liturgies, the powerful sense of belonging to the family of God amongst Africans and his encounter with the suffering

Indiana bishop not to attend pro-life banquet featuring RNC head Steele

Saying there can be “no equivocation” about abortion, Bishop of Evansville, Indiana Gerald Andrew Gettelfinger has decided not to attend the Vanderburgh County Right to Life (VCRL) banquet because Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, a Catholic who made conflicting comments about his abortion views, will be addressing the gathering.

Experts: Pope Correct on Condom Distribution

(LifeSiteNews.com) - Two days after Pope Benedict XVI warned that more condoms would facilitate the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, the world's condom-promoters and their political allies are leading an all-out attack on the pope and on the Catholic Church. However, at the same time, Catholic and other conservative leaders are defending the pope, pointing out that not only is science on his side, but also that in his remarks the pope was showing a welcome deference to the pro-family culture of Africa, which is opposed to the population control agenda promoted in the continent by many Western "aid" agencies.  

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Vatican attempts to quell furore after Pope's anti-condom stand

The Vatican defended Pope Benedict XVI's claim that condoms were worsening the AIDS epidemic, which has triggered an international outcry on his visit to Africa.​

Pope encourages Muslims to promote ‘genuine religion’

Pope Benedict began the last full day of activities on the Cameroon leg of his visit to Africa by meeting with representatives of the Muslim community.

Former Colorado congresswoman to lead new pro-life voting initiative

This morning, the Susan B. Anthony List announced that Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) will lead the pro-life organization’s latest initiative, “Votes Have Consequences,” a nationwide grassroots mobilization and voter education effort.

RNC head Michael Steele counters own abortion ‘rights’ remarks

Michael Steele, a self-described Catholic who is the new chairman of the Republican National Committee, has distanced himself from comments he made stating that he believes women “absolutely” have the right to choose abortion.

Adoration should lead to greater union with Jesus, Pope teaches

Eucharistic adoration was the focus of remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI today as he received participants in the plenary assembly of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Obama ESCR policy change a 'slap in the face' to pro-lifers, critics say

Catholic and Pro-life leaders have reacted critically to President Barack Obama's overturning of federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, characterizing the policy change as a "slap in the face" to pro-lifers

Benedict XVI thanks Cardinal Arinze for strengthening his priesthood

At the conclusion of the Roman Curia's spiritual exercises on Saturday, Pope Benedict expressed his thanks to Cardinal Francis Arinze for guiding them through the week of meditations and helping "us to renew our priesthood."

Lula clashes with church BBC News - UK

Brazil's President Lula has criticized the Roman Catholic Church's decision to excommunicate those involved in an abortion on a nine-year-old alleged rape victim

Catholic angry over proposed law Danbury News Times -

The state's Catholic bishops are rallying opposition to a proposed state law that would regulate how parishes are controlled and operated.

Pope Benedict to Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem in May Voice of America -

Israeli President Shimon Peres welcomed the Roman Catholic Church leader's decision to visit the region, and said he will accompany Benedict

Chinese Catholics ‘terrified’ of losing freedoms, professor says

TUSCALOOSA, ALA., March 3 (CNA) - A University of Alabama professor who recently studied in China for several months reports that Catholics in the country are enjoying freedoms but are anxious about government monitoring and “terrified” their liberties may be swiftly taken away.

Catholic schools in Israel prepare for papal visit

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL, March 4 (CNA) - In preparation for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Israel, the country’s Catholic schools are preparing 500 hours of classes to explain the Pope, the history of the Catholic Church and the Vatican to their students.

In a world lacking hope, look to Jesus, Pope tells youth

VATICAN CITY, March 4 (CNA) - This morning Pope Benedict XVI made public his message for the 24th World Youth Day, which will be celebrated at the diocesan level this year. In his message, the Pope calls on young people to seek out true hope, a firm and reliable hope rooted in a personal encounter with Jesus.

Pro-abortion Kansas governor accepts position as heath and human services secretary

Saturday evening it was announced that Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, a professed Catholic who supports abortion, has accepted a position in President Obama's Cabinet as secretary of health and human services.