News & Commentary

Filipinos are seen in a 2013 photo showing their gratitude and waving to the crew of a U.S. Navy aircraft after receiving aid from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the remote village of Guiuan, Philippines, after one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded. The future of USAID has been called into question amid reports President Donald Trump had agreed to "shut down" the agency, which could have dramatic impacts on the poor and on the groups assisting them. (OSV News photo/Wolfgang Rattay, Reuters)

Future of USAID unclear as concern mounts over agency’s ongoing tumult

Concern is mounting that the ongoing tumult at the U.S. Agency for International Development is jeopardizing lives and livelihoods supported by the government's humanitarian aid agency in countries all over the globe.
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Capuchin Franciscan Sister Maria Elena Romero reading

Cloistered life offers lessons for the world during COVID-19

People often telephone Sister Maria Elena Romero, a Capuchin Franciscan Poor Clare in Wilmington, Delaware, to ask for her to pray for a personal intention, to sound out a problem, sometimes just to cry.
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COVID-19 is God’s call to live differently, pope says

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God’s judgment on humanity, but God’s call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.
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Pope During Morning Mass with Jesus on Cross in Background

Pope joins interreligious prayer, begging God to end pandemic

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At a time of global "tragedy and suffering" because of the coronavirus, and in view of the long-term impact it will have, believers of every religion should beg mercy from the one God and father of ...
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Pope makes donation to fund scholarships in Lebanon

Pope Francis donated $200,000 to fund educational scholarships in Lebanon, which is facing a devastating economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
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People in a church

Franciscan Friars Vote to Unify

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Voicing their support for the revitalization of Franciscan life in the United States, six provinces of the Order of Friars Minor have voted to form one new organization. On May 30, the friars of each of the ...
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