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WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama urged the Republican-run Senate on Wednesday to fulfill its "constitutional responsibility" and consider his Supreme Court nominee, pushing back on GOP leaders who insist there will be no hearing or vote when he names a successor to the late Justice Antonin Scalia....
BEIRUT (AP) -- The Syrian president on Wednesday assured Russia's Vladimir Putin of Damascus' commitment to a Russia-U.S. proposed truce, even as a spokesman for a Saudi-backed alliance of Syrian opposition and rebel factions expressed "major concerns" about the ceasefire, due to begin later this week....
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. (AP) -- Sheila Covert is worried about Donald Trump....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Latest on the 2016 presidential campaign (all times local):...
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops."Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others.""Even as Americans rema...
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others."
"Even as Americans remain troubled by abortion," wrote Cardinal Dolan, a powerful and well-funded lobby holds "that abortion must be celebrated as a positive good for women and society, and those who cannot in conscience provide it are to be condemned for practicing substandard medicine and waging a 'war on women'." He said this trend was seen recently when President Obama and other Democratic leaders prevented passage of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, "a modest measure to provide for effective enforcement" of conscience laws.
"While this is disturbing," said Cardinal Dolan, "it is also an opportunity." Pro-life Americans should reach out to "the great majority of Americans" who are "open to hearing a message of reverence for life." He added that "we who present the pro-life message must always strive to be better messengers. A cause that teaches the inexpressibly great value of each and every human being cannot show disdain or disrespect for any fellow human being." He encouraged Catholics to take part, through prayer and action, in the upcoming "9 Days for Life" campaign, January 16-24. More information on the campaign is available online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJwfcefUiU
He also cited the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis as a time for women and men to find healing through the Church's Project Rachel post-abortion ministry.
The full text of Cardinal Dolan's message is available online.
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Keywords: Roe v. Wade, anniversary, Pro-Life, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 9 Days for Life, USCCB, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Year of Mercy, Project Rachel, Pope Francis
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MEDIA CONTACT
Don Clemmer
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WASHINGTON-The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, February 1, on behalf of USCCB, the Texas Catholic Conference and several Christian partners in support of a Texas law mandating health and safety standards protecting women who undergo abortions. Other groups joining the brief include the National Association of Evangelicals, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. The case is Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court."There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."The brief noted that some abortion clinics have decla...
"There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."
The brief noted that some abortion clinics have declared the standards too strict, although the standards are similar to those issued by the abortion industry. It added that abortion providers "should not be allowed to rely upon their own failure to comply with health and safety laws" as a reason to strike such laws down. The brief said the providers' resistance to such regulations is not in the best interests of women's health and safety. It also noted that over 40 years of precedent, including the Court's 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, reaffirms that states may regulate abortion to protect maternal life and health.
Full text of the brief is available online: www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Whole-Woman-s-Health-v-Hellerstedt.pdf
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Keywords: General Counsel, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Texas law abortion, amicus curia, National Association of Evangelicals, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, U.S. Supreme Court
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(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said on Tuesday it was “essential” that Italian legislation not equate civil unions with marriage.The so-called Cirinnà bill would give legal recognition to same-sex civil unions, as well as granting the members of such unions limited rights to adopt children. Debate on the proposed legislation is taking place in Italy’s Senate this week.The Vatican diplomat was speaking after the annual reception with Italian government officials to mark the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, the 1929 treaty between Italy and the Holy See which settled the longstanding disputes arising over the nineteenth century Italian takeover of the Papal States, and also established the Vatican City State.The meeting took place at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, and both the Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi attended the event.“The [Cirinnà] bil...
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said on Tuesday it was “essential” that Italian legislation not equate civil unions with marriage.
The so-called Cirinnà bill would give legal recognition to same-sex civil unions, as well as granting the members of such unions limited rights to adopt children. Debate on the proposed legislation is taking place in Italy’s Senate this week.
The Vatican diplomat was speaking after the annual reception with Italian government officials to mark the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, the 1929 treaty between Italy and the Holy See which settled the longstanding disputes arising over the nineteenth century Italian takeover of the Papal States, and also established the Vatican City State.
The meeting took place at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, and both the Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi attended the event.
“The [Cirinnà] bill came up, but did not enter into our discussions. I think everyone’s position is clear, although it is not clear what will be happening in the coming days,” the Cardinal said.
“However, at the same time we must other backdoors, quite apart from the direct reference to stepchild adoption, which could be derived from equating civil unions with marriage,” continued Cardinal Parolin.
He added it was “essential” to respect the ruling of the Constitutional Court that any legislation not equate civil unions to marriage.
Cardinal Parolin called the meeting “good” and said the parties spoke about other bilateral issues, including the recently concluded agreement on fiscal matters, collaboration during the Jubilee year, and the “great themes” of education and the family.
“It was positive…there is a desire for collaboration, and a willingness to overcome any difficulties which might arise,” he said.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square. In remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered for the occasion, the Holy Father continued his series of catecheses on Divine Mercy, focusing specifically on the proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world. Below, please find the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis, which was delivered in Italian*****************************************Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing our weekly catecheses inspired by this Holy Year of Divine Mercy, we now consider the Bible’s teaching on the right use of wealth and power. The Scriptures show that these serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy. Used selfishly and arrogantly, they become a source of corruption and death, as we see in the story of Naboth, unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his pr...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square. In remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered for the occasion, the Holy Father continued his series of catecheses on Divine Mercy, focusing specifically on the proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world. Below, please find the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis, which was delivered in Italian
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Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing our weekly catecheses inspired by this Holy Year of Divine Mercy, we now consider the Bible’s teaching on the right use of wealth and power. The Scriptures show that these serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy. Used selfishly and arrogantly, they become a source of corruption and death, as we see in the story of Naboth, unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property. Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another. Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice. Jesus is the true King, whose saving power is shown in the cross. During this Holy Year let us ask him to draw near to sinners, to show us his mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of his grace and forgiveness.
Following the summary, the Holy Father greeted English-speaking pilgrims and visitors
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Gabon, Mozambique and the United States of America. With prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
Kenyans have been called upon to consistently refer to Pope Francis’ messages that he gave during his visit in November last year for a deeper understanding and in order for them to put his words of wisdom into practice. The Thanksgiving Mass was held recently at the Daughters of St Paul’s chapel in Nairobi.During the homily, Marsabit Bishop Peter Kihara, expressed gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis on behalf of the entire country for the Apostolic visit. The Bishop said the Pope’s visit in November 2014 was a blessing to Christians and non-Christians alike.“I have heard it from the Muslim brothers in Marsabit who are the majority there that, they were blessed and inspired by the messages of the Pope during his visit to Kenya. All felt honoured and uplifted by his reflections and homilies and also by the simplicity of his style and life,” Bishop Kihara said.Bishop Kihara said he was amazed that the Holy Father, at his age, diligently followed ...
Kenyans have been called upon to consistently refer to Pope Francis’ messages that he gave during his visit in November last year for a deeper understanding and in order for them to put his words of wisdom into practice. The Thanksgiving Mass was held recently at the Daughters of St Paul’s chapel in Nairobi.
During the homily, Marsabit Bishop Peter Kihara, expressed gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis on behalf of the entire country for the Apostolic visit. The Bishop said the Pope’s visit in November 2014 was a blessing to Christians and non-Christians alike.
“I have heard it from the Muslim brothers in Marsabit who are the majority there that, they were blessed and inspired by the messages of the Pope during his visit to Kenya. All felt honoured and uplifted by his reflections and homilies and also by the simplicity of his style and life,” Bishop Kihara said.
Bishop Kihara said he was amazed that the Holy Father, at his age, diligently followed his tight schedule. He prayed that God would continue to bless the Vicar of Christ for his generosity in accepting to visit Kenya and for all the sacrifices that he made during the visit.
The main celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass was John Cardinal Njue, the Arcbhishop of Nairobi who concelebrated with Homa Bay Bishop Philip Anyolo. Bishop Anyolo is also the KCCB Chairman. Other concelebrants were the Bishop of Ngong Diocese, John Oballa Owaaa; Bishop Kihara himself together with several other priests. In attendance were members of the Kenya papal visit steering committee, KCCB employees, government officials and the faithful.
Marsabit Bishop Peter Kihara announced that the Pope’s messages that gave hope and uplifted many Kenyans are now available in booklets and DVDs.
Earlier in December last year, Pope Francis wrote to the KCCB through the Chairman, Bishop Anyolo. In the letter, Pope Francis commended the people of Kenya for warmly welcoming him.
“I pray that our time together may deepen the bonds of communion we share and bring forth abundant fruit for the life of the Church in Kenya. Commending you to the intercession of our Lady, Mother of Africa,” Pope Francis’ letter read in part.
(By Rose Achiego in Nairobi, Kenya)
Email:engafrica.vatiradio.va
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis dedicated his General Audience on Wednesday to the theme of proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world, saying that they serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy, though they become a source of corruption and death if used selfishly and arrogantly.Click below to hear our report The Holy Father went on to discuss the Biblical account of Naboth, a man unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property. Departing from his prepared text, the Pope recommended the slim, powerful volume by St. Ambrose of Milan, the great 4th century bishop and Doctor of the Church, on the account in 1 Kings 21, as especially pertinent and helpful Lenten reading. “This is not a story from other times,” he said. “It is a story of today, as well, a story of the powerful who exploit the poor, who exploit the people for their own gain. It...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis dedicated his General Audience on Wednesday to the theme of proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world, saying that they serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy, though they become a source of corruption and death if used selfishly and arrogantly.
Click below to hear our report
The Holy Father went on to discuss the Biblical account of Naboth, a man unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property. Departing from his prepared text, the Pope recommended the slim, powerful volume by St. Ambrose of Milan, the great 4th century bishop and Doctor of the Church, on the account in 1 Kings 21, as especially pertinent and helpful Lenten reading. “This is not a story from other times,” he said. “It is a story of today, as well, a story of the powerful who exploit the poor, who exploit the people for their own gain. It is the story of human trafficking, of slave labor, of poor people who work ‘under the table’ and for a pittance in order to enrich the powerful – it is the story of corrupt politicians who want more and more. For this, I said it would do us well to read St. Ambrose’s book on Naboth – because it is a book about current events.”
Pope Francis went on to say that Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another. “Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice,” he said.
Pope Francis concluded with a call that we all during this Holy Year ask the Lord to draw near to sinners, to show us His mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of His grace and forgiveness.
