JERUSALEM – A Catholic Palestinian legislator praised the new Palestinian Cabinet and said it was likely to succeed. “This is a good start,” said Bernard Sabella, a Fatah member of the Palestinian Parliament. “In effect it is a government which combines the more practical and pragmatic elements of Fatah, the independents and second-rank Hamas” members....Read More

LONDON – In a personal meeting with five victims of clerical sexual abuse, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his “deep sorrow and shame” over their suffering and promised the church would do “all in its power” to investigate cases of abuse and safeguard the young.Read More

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO SCOTLAND – En route to Great Britain for a four-day visit, Pope Benedict XVI offered a strongly worded analysis of the priestly sex abuse crisis, saying the church was not vigilant enough or fast enough in responding to the problem.Read More

Marianne Seibel always knew the last show she ever did at St. Agnes School, Catonsville, would be “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen. After 14 years of rehearsing with young actors, the Sacred Heart, Glyndon, parishioner is closing the curtain on her directing. The final play will be performed April 2-3 at St....Read More

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Pope Benedict XVI’s top diplomat at the United Nations said the Vatican wants to normalize relations with China, which it sees as a major way of advancing religious freedom and fostering unity among Chinese Catholics. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s U.N. nuncio, expressed hope that a papal letter to Chinese Catholics to...Read More

VATICAN CITY – A U.S. pastor’s threat to burn copies of the Quran has damaged the image of the United States, said the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.Read More

Kathleen Filippelli beamed with pride as she stood in front of a crowd of about 300 people the morning of Sept. 7.Read More

As he prayed with and addressed the more than 400 participants in the 28th annual Social Ministry Convocation March 3 at The Seton Keough High School, Baltimore, Cardinal William H. Keeler, spoke first and foremost about peace. “We certainly are praying for peace in our parishes, and this past week our church leaders in Baltimore...Read More