The Record, Author at The Record

Pope asks prayers for pastors that they not become ‘wolves’

Pope Francis asked Catholics to pray for their bishops and priests, asking God to help them be real shepherds who are poor, humble and meek.

Pope Francis looks on during his general audience on April 17 in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. PHOTO: CNS/Paul Haring

Researchers’ embryonic stem-cell advance decried as morally troubling

As Oregon scientists announced May 15 that they had successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities warned that the technique is morally troubling on many levels.

Dreams come true for young scientist

A thirst for knowledge and a passion for science resulted in Year 12 student Clare Bradley of St Norbert College being selected to attend the London International Youth Science Forum for 2013.

Women religious uniting in nationwide effort to end human trafficking

Human trafficking is so widespread that congregations of women religious in the US are uniting in a nationwide effort to limit its reach.

Bishops say full effect of ‘redefining marriage’ will be felt for years

The “full social and legal effects” of state lawmakers’ decision to legalize same-sex marriage “will begin to manifest themselves in the years ahead,” said the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

Build ‘civilization of love’ in response to bombings, cardinal urges

Even though “the culture of death looms large” today, the light of Christ the Good Shepherd “can expel the darkness and illuminate for us a path that leads to life, to a civilization of solidarity and love,” said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley.

Three crosses for each of the three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombings are seen at a makeshift memorial on Boylston Street in Boston April 18. In celebrating the Good Shepherd Sunday Mass April 21 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley offered it for the repose of the souls of those killed in the bombings and the subsequent manhunt. Prayers also were said for those injured and for the first responders. PHOTO: CNS/Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters

Pope speaks on dangers of being ‘climbers’ and ‘good-sense Christians’

Following Jesus isn’t complicated, but it may take courage and it always requires recognizing that human beings aren’t God, Pope Francis said in two of his morning Mass homilies.

Pope Francis carries his crosier as he leaves after ordaining 10 priests on April 21 in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. PHOTO: CNS/Paul Haring

Vatican official says Archbishop Romero’s sainthood cause ‘unblocked’

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family and the official promoter of the sainthood cause of the late Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, said the process to beatify and eventually canonize the slain Salvadoran archbishop has been unblocked.

Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero is pictured in a 1979 photo in San Salvador. The official promoter of the sainthood cause of the late archbishop indicated April 22 that the cause would be moving forward. PHOTO: CNS/Octavio Duran

Better oversight urged for religious references in military training

An informational slide that listed Catholicism, evangelical Christianity and other religious groups under the heading of “Religious Extremism” and was recently used in a training briefing for a group of about 100 Army Reserve soldiers has been removed from the presentation.