NEWS OF THE WEEK
Religious leaders applauded the US Senate this week for passing a comprehensive immigration bill, which includes a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented now in the country. Faith groups, including many evangelicals, have been lobbying hard for immigration … More
A recently-suspended Vatican accountant, a priest, was arrested in Italy this week for allegedly bringing $26 million into his country illegally. He was already under investigation for charges of laundering money through his account at the Vatican Bank. His arrest … More
Pope Francis strongly condemned anti-Semitism, saying no Christian can be anti-Semitic because Christianity and Judaism share common roots. The pope made the comments in a meeting with Jewish leaders, the first time he has met officially as pope with a … More
The International Red Cross is raising concerns over how hospitals, houses of worship, and schools are being affected by violent conflicts around the world, particularly in Syria, other parts of the Middle East, and Africa. The organization said armed groups … More
In India, prayer services were held this week for the more than one thousand people who died in massive flooding and landslides. Close to 100,000 people were rescued, and several thousand more were still stranded well into this week. Hundreds … More
There was a renewed international push this week for an end to the civil war in Syria. According to the United Nations, 93,000 people have died in the two-year conflict. The number of people fleeing the violence has pushed the … More
As part of new gun safety measures from the White House, Vice President Biden this week issued guidelines for how houses of worship should respond to a mass shooting. One of the suggestions is “fight back.” Congregants are advised first … More
Exodus International, a controversial Christian group that promoted reparative therapy to change the sexual orientation of gays, has announced it is closing and launching a new ministry instead to help churches host “thoughtful and safe” conversations about sexuality. Exodus president … More
In France, heavy flooding forced parts of the historic shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes to close. Thousands of Roman Catholic pilgrims visit the holy site each year. It is believed to be a place of healing and miracles. This week, … More
President Obama has nominated Ken Hackett, the retired president of Catholic Relief Services, as the next US Ambassador to the Vatican. Hackett led the US Bishops’ overseas relief and development arm for 18 years before retiring in 2011.
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