News & Commentary

For Ash Wednesday, Vatican asks priests to 'sprinkle' ashes on heads

The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments asked priests to take special anti-COVID-19 precautions this year when distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, including sprinkling ashes on the top of people’s heads rather than using them to make a cross on people’s foreheads.

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CHA letter to Biden reveals extensive list of health care priorities

The Catholic Health Association issued an extensive list of priorities it would like President-elect Joe Biden's administration to pursue.
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Pope amends canon law so women can be installed as lectors, acolytes

Recognizing "the gifts of each baptized person" -- women and men -- Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes.
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After Capitol attack, leaders urge rejection of divisions that lead to violence

Rep. Chris Smith was in his office in the Rayburn House Office Building, writing remarks to endorse the election of Democrat Joe Biden to the presidency, when alarms sounded.
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Capitol invasion adds to challenges facing Biden administration

When Joe Biden takes the oath of office as president Jan. 20, he’s going to face more than political challenges of getting his legislative priorities implemented, constitutional law experts said.
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Assault on U.S. Capitol shocks the world

The breach of the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 sent shock waves around the world.
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Chicago Father Pfleger steps aside over allegation of abuse

Father Michael Pfleger has stepped aside from his ministry after the Chicago Archdiocese said it received an allegation that the priest had sexually abused a minor more than 40 years ago.
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