NATION/WORLD

One sister has motivated nearly 100 groups of interfaith Americans to gather in their respective cities Jan. 15 for 30 minutes of silent meditation, hand in hand.

"This year, we are invited to create a culture of encounter where citizens old and new, alongside immigrants recent and long-standing, can share with one another their hopes for a better life," a U.S. cardinal said.

CANTON, Ohio (CNS) — In the fall when the Diocese of Youngstown formally opened the sainthood cause for an Ohio woman known for her life of prayer and spiritual gifts, more than 1,000 people filled St. Peter Church in Canton.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Stand up and protect children from exploitation, slaughter and abuse, which includes committing to a policy of “zero tolerance” of sexual abuse by clergy, Pope Francis told the world’s bishops.

AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) — A federal judge in Texas Dec. 31 blocked a regulation by the Department of Health and Human Services requiring Catholic hospitals and health care providers to perform or provide gender transition services, saying it would place “substantial pressure” on the plaintiffs — a coalition of religious medical organizations who said the ruling was contrary to their religious beliefs.

The religious makeup of the 115th Congress is significantly Christian — 91 percent — with four more Catholics than last term.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said.

Scientists, activists and people of faith are assisting with the initiative and a forthcoming website will help Catholics in any diocese.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The song of the angels that heralded the birth of Christ urges men and women to seek peace in a world divided by war, terrorism and greed, Pope Francis said.

Some 5,000 to 6,000 cards are donated annually, mostly from local parishioners, for the inmates to send to family and maybe even the guards.