Crux Now

Ad campaign says most Americans favor abortion restrictions

Catholic News Service
September 25, 2016

A new pro-life ad campaign running as a lead-in to tonight’s presidential debate, sponsored by the political arm of the Washington-based March for Life organization, asserts that polling shows “an overwhelming majority of Americans [are] in favor of substantial restrictions on abortion.”

Indian cardinal says Mother Teresa was 'Pope Francis before Francis'

Nirmala Carvalho
September 25, 2016

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India, a member of Pope Francis’s “C9” council of cardinal advisers from around the world, said during a thanksgiving Mass for her sainthood on Sunday, “Her life is a testimony of truth and humble service. She chose not to be the last, but the servant of the last.”

Pope says God is shared by love, not by forcing truth on people

Hannah Brockhaus
September 25, 2016

During as jubilee celebration for catechists as part of his Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis on Sunday said that God is shared with the world through love and authentic human relationships, not by forcing the truth on people.

Orthodox, Catholic commission says authority shouldn't block unity

Cindy Wooden
September 25, 2016

A group of Orthodox and Catholic theologians meeting in Chieti, Italy, have largely agreed to a statement on how authority should be exercised in Christianity, although a Russian Orthodox official said Eastern Catholic churches remain a “stumbling block” to unity.

Unlike Italy, pope backs anti-gay marriage push in Mexico

Inés San Martín
September 25, 2016

After having sat out an Italian debate in May over the legalization of civil unions for same-sex couples, Pope Francis broke his silence on Sunday by coming out in support of Mexico’s Catholic bishops in their efforts to derail a push for gay marriage.

On Communion debate, Pope Francis opts for decentralization

John L. Allen Jr.
September 25, 2016

Whether Pope Francis intended it or not, by saying that the implementation of his document “Amoris Laetitia” depended on the guidelines of local bishops, he has decentralized resolution of the debate over Communion for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.

Pope Francis brings spirit of the saints to the medical profession

Father Jeffrey F. Kirby
Commentary

Pope Francis brings the spirit of Saints Cosmas and Damian to a medical community that is in a cultural wrestling match looking for a definition of the medical professional.

Priest murders rattle Mexican city gripped by violence

Associated Press
September 25, 2016

In a region of eastern Mexico already weary of rising gang violence and extortion, the abduction and murder of two priests sank many residents only deeper into despair. The violence comes at time of rising tension between the Catholic Church and the Mexican government, among other things over gay marriage.

On Communion debate, Pope Francis opts for decentralization

September 25, 2016

By John L. Allen Jr.

Unlike Italy, pope backs anti-gay marriage push in Mexico

September 25, 2016

By Inés San Martín

Pope Francis brings spirit of the saints to the medical profession

September 25, 2016

Pope Francis brings the spirit of Saints Cosmas and Damian to a medical community that is in a cultural wrestling match looking for a definition of the medical professional.

By Father Jeffrey F. Kirby

Urban ministry offers tips on talking to the homeless

September 25, 2016

Christ in the City, a Denver-based urban ministry, has a tip sheet for how to engage homeless persons in the street, including learning the person’s name and using it, and providing soft food rather than granola bars or apples because often the homeless have teeth problems.

By Catholic News Agency

Priest murders rattle Mexican city gripped by violence

September 25, 2016

By Associated Press

Dolan says one year later, pope’s message of mercy endures in NY

September 25, 2016

New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan says that when Pope Francis visited the Big Apple one year ago, he was probably expecting a cold metropolis with people only interested in making a buck, and what he found instead was a warm, exuberant milieu filled with deep faith.

By Mark Zimmermann