By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service ROME — After U.S. President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to set foot in North Korea, Pope Francis called his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a positive step toward world peace. After praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square June […]
Vatican renews call for negotiated solution on Jerusalem
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Following days of violence and backlash after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Vatican appealed for “wisdom and prudence” to prevail. The Holy See “reiterates its own conviction that only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians […]
Pope Francis, President Trump speak of hopes for peace
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis and U.S. President Donald Trump spent 30 minutes speaking privately in the library of the Apostolic Palace May 24, and as the president left, he told the pope, “I won’t forget what you said.” The atmosphere at the beginning was formal and a bit […]
Catholic leaders find proposed federal budget largely fails the moral test
By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2018 budget sent shivers through social service, education and environmental communities, prompting church leaders and advocates to question the administration’s commitment to people in need. The leaders repeated in interviews with Catholic News Service that a budget is a moral document […]
Vatican says it would welcome visit by President Trump
By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — If U.S. President Donald Trump requests a meeting with Pope Francis in May, the Vatican will try to make it work, a top Vatican official said. “Pope Francis always is willing to welcome heads of state who ask,” Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Vatican substitute secretary of state, told the […]
Hawaii Catholic leaders add to backlash against Trump’s refugee executive order
By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald A number of Catholic leaders in Hawaii have added their voices to the critical backlash against President Donald Trump’s Jan. 27 executive order banning immigrants and refugees from seven mostly Muslim nations. The directive created a firestorm of controversy as it initially blocked the entry of refugees slated to […]
Catholics oppose Trump actions on wall, sanctuaries
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Catholic organizations expressed distress and unease with President Donald J. Trump’s actions related to immigration while pledging to continue serving and supporting migrant people. The reactions came within hours of Trump’s signing of executive memorandums on national security Jan. 25 during a visit to the Department of Homeland Security. […]
Congratulations and concern
Trump presidency receives words of hope, prayers for civility from religious, political leaders By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Words of congratulations as well as caution emerged from political and religious leaders as President Donald J. Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20. Pope Francis sent best wishes and prayers to incoming President Trump shortly after he […]