'VatiLeaks' trial rescheduled for Dec. 7

IMAGE: EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican trial against two Italian journalists, a Spanish monsignor and two others was postponed for one week after the court allowed one of the defendants to change lawyers. On … Continue reading

Bishops vote in Fall General Assembly

BALTIMORE — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved several items, including a proposed statement on pornography and a new introductory note and limited revision of their quadrennial statement on political responsibility, during their annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 17. The bishops also voted on a liturgical book, strategic priorities for the 2017-2020 cycle and on the 2016 budget. The bishops approved the strategic priorities for the 2017-2020 planning cycle with 233 votes in favor, 4 against and 0 abstaining. The priorities are:

Evangelization: Open wide the doors to Christ through missionary discipleship and personal encounter.
Family and marriage: Encourage and heal families; inspire Catholics to embrace the sacrament of matrimony.
Human life and dignity: Uphold the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death with special concern for the poor and vulnerable.
Vocations and ongoing formation: Encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and provide meaningful ongoing formation to clergy, religious and lay ministers.
Religious freedom: Promote and defend the freedom to serve, witness and worship, in the U.S. and abroad.

The full body of bishops also voted 230-4-1 to approve a proposed formal statement, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” This is the first formal statement issued by the body of bishops focused exclusively on a pastoral response to pornography production and use. Continue reading