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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- The Latest on North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket (all times local):...
FLINT, Mich. (AP) -- Taking a detour from New Hampshire's campaign trail, Hillary Clinton said Sunday that a water crisis in a Michigan city was "immoral" and demanded that Congress approve $200 million in emergency aid to address the community's battle with lead-contaminated water....
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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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) Do not be afraid but trust in the word of the Lord: that was Pope Francis message to the crowds gathered in a windswept St Peter’s Square on Sunday for the recitation of the Angelus prayer.Listen to our report:The Pope based his reflections on the Gospel reading which tells the story of Jesus calling his first disciples by Lake Galilee. After fishing all night without a catch, they are washing their nets when Jesus gets into Simon Peter’s boat so that he can preach to the crowds of people gathered on the shore.Peter trusts in Jesus' wordsWhen he has finished speaking, Jesus tells Peter to put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch. Peter replies that they have been working hard all night without catching anything, but he trusts in his Master’s words and lets down the nets. His faith is rewarded, the Pope says, as they catch so much fish that their nets begin to break.You will be fishing for peopleAmazed by this extraordinary...
(Vatican Radio) Do not be afraid but trust in the word of the Lord: that was Pope Francis message to the crowds gathered in a windswept St Peter’s Square on Sunday for the recitation of the Angelus prayer.
Listen to our report:
The Pope based his reflections on the Gospel reading which tells the story of Jesus calling his first disciples by Lake Galilee. After fishing all night without a catch, they are washing their nets when Jesus gets into Simon Peter’s boat so that he can preach to the crowds of people gathered on the shore.
Peter trusts in Jesus' words
When he has finished speaking, Jesus tells Peter to put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch. Peter replies that they have been working hard all night without catching anything, but he trusts in his Master’s words and lets down the nets. His faith is rewarded, the Pope says, as they catch so much fish that their nets begin to break.
You will be fishing for people
Amazed by this extraordinary event, Peter throws himself at Jesus feet saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinner”. Peter, the Pope explained, is aware that Jesus is the Lord and feels a strong sense of being unworthy. But Jesus tells him: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be fishing for people”. Jesus cannot leave him as a sinner, the Pope said, any more than a doctor can abandon a sick person.
Share God's love through hospitality and mercy
Peter and the other disciples are reassured by Jesus’ words which are at the heart of his ministry and of the mission of the Church. Pope Francis said going fishing for men and women does not mean to proselitise but to restore dignity and freedom to them through the forgiveness of sins. This is the essence of Christianity, he said, to share the free and regenerative love of God through hospitality and mercy to all.
Mexico, Cuba and Chinese New Year
After reciting the Angelus prayer, the Pope looked ahead to his forthcoming visit to Mexico and to the historic meeting he will have in Cuba with Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Pope also noted that on Monday the Church celebrates a day of prayer against human trafficking and he wished a serene and peaceful New Year to all those who’ll be marking the start of the Chinese new year on Monday.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message of condolences for all those killed and injured in the earthquake that shook southern Taiwan on Saturday.Rescuers on Sunday pulled more survivors from the remains of a high-rise apartment building but more than 100 people are believed to be still buried in the rubble. Over 170 people have been rescued but at least 26 are known to have died.Below, please find the text of the message sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope FrancisThe Holy Father was saddened to learn of the suffering caused by the deadly earthquake which struck in Tainan, leaving many people dead or seriously injured. He sends prayerful condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as to rescue personnel and the civil authorities. His Holiness, commending the souls of the departed to the tender mercy of God, invokes abundant divine blessings of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this t...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message of condolences for all those killed and injured in the earthquake that shook southern Taiwan on Saturday.
Rescuers on Sunday pulled more survivors from the remains of a high-rise apartment building but more than 100 people are believed to be still buried in the rubble. Over 170 people have been rescued but at least 26 are known to have died.
Below, please find the text of the message sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Francis
The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the suffering caused by the deadly earthquake which struck in Tainan, leaving many people dead or seriously injured. He sends prayerful condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as to rescue personnel and the civil authorities. His Holiness, commending the souls of the departed to the tender mercy of God, invokes abundant divine blessings of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this tragedy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
Vatican City, Feb 7, 2016 / 08:37 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The plight of Syrian civilians involved in the nation's ongoing conflict was at the heart of Pope Francis' appeal to the international community on Sunday, in an address where he also called for a renewed commitment to the protection of life at all stages.“I follow with deep concern the dramatic fate of civilian populations involved in heavy fighting in their beloved Syria, and who are forced to leave everything behind in order to escape the horrors of war,” the Pope said Feb. 7 to crowds which almost filled St. Peter's Square.In a wide-ranging post-Angelus address, the Pope expressed his hope that, “with generous solidarity,” the Syrian people might receive the help they need “to ensure their survival and dignity.”The pontiff extended his appeal to the international community, and stressed that only a political solution will resolve the conflict and secure “a futur...
Vatican City, Feb 7, 2016 / 08:37 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The plight of Syrian civilians involved in the nation's ongoing conflict was at the heart of Pope Francis' appeal to the international community on Sunday, in an address where he also called for a renewed commitment to the protection of life at all stages.
“I follow with deep concern the dramatic fate of civilian populations involved in heavy fighting in their beloved Syria, and who are forced to leave everything behind in order to escape the horrors of war,” the Pope said Feb. 7 to crowds which almost filled St. Peter's Square.
In a wide-ranging post-Angelus address, the Pope expressed his hope that, “with generous solidarity,” the Syrian people might receive the help they need “to ensure their survival and dignity.”
The pontiff extended his appeal to the international community, and stressed that only a political solution will resolve the conflict and secure “a future of reconciliation and peace in that beloved and martyred country.”
He then led the crowds in praying the Hail Mary “to Our Lady for the beloved Syria.”
Russian assaults over the weekend have have driven tens of thousands from Aleppo, Syria's largest city before the war, according to Reuters.
The Pope's remarks also come days after the suspension of United Nations-brokered peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces. The talks will resume later this month.
The Syrian conflict has killed an estimated 250,000 people and displaced 11 million to date.
Pope Francis also acknowledged the 38th annual “Giornata per la Vita” (“Day for Life”) in Italy, and joined Italian bishops in calling on educational and social institutions to renew their commitment to advocating for “human life from conception to its natural end.”
The pontiff said we must help society “heal from all attacks on life, daring an interior change,” which is also made manifest through works of mercy.”
“I greet and encourage Rome's university professors, and all those committed to witnessing the culture of life.”
“Mercy makes life flourish,” is the theme of this year's “Day for Life.”
The Pope also asked for prayers ahead of his apostolic trip to Mexico Feb. 11-22, as well as his first-time meeting with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, who he referred to as his “dear brother.”
After his Angelus Address, the Pope touched on the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against the Trafficking of Persons, which is Monday.
The day aims to help trafficked persons “break the heavy chains of exploitation to regain their freedom and dignity,” the Pope said.
“We must do everything we can to destroy this crime and this unbearable disgrace.”
Pope Francis also acknowledged the upcoming Lunar New Year, wishing all those celebrating “serenity and peace within their families.”
Before leading the crowds in the recitation of the Angelus, the Pope centered his reflection on the day's Gospel which accounts Jesus calling St. Peter to follow him. In the reading, Peter and his men obey Jesus in sailing out to deep water and letting down their nets, despite the fact that they had been fishing all night to no avail. After following Christ's orders, the fishermen catch so many fish their nets are bursting. Jesus then calls Peter to follow him, telling him they will be fishers of men.
“This is the logic that drives the mission of Jesus and the mission of the Church: to seek out, 'catch' men and women.”
The Pope clarified that this does not involve proselytizing, but rather returning to people their “full dignity and freedom, through the forgiveness of sins.”
“This is the essence of Christianity: to spread the regenerating and gratuitous love of God, with an attitude of acceptance and mercy to everyone, in order that everyone may be able to encounter the tenderness of God and have the fullness of life.”
Pope Francis especially acknowledged the work of confessors, citing the example of St. Leopold Mandic and Padre Pio, whose relics are being venerated in Rome this week as part of the Jubilee of Mercy.
Confessors, he said, “are the first persons to give God's mercy by following Jesus' example.”
The Gospel challenges the faithful in their trust of Jesus, the Pope continued.
“Do we really trust the Lord's word? Or, do we let ourselves be discouraged by our failures?”
The Pope then said the current Jubilee Year of Mercy is a time when we are called to “comfort those who feel unworthy sinners before the Lord and discouraged for their mistakes, telling them the words of Jesus: 'Fear not.'"
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