Pope Francis releases new encyclical, “Fratelli tutti”

Pope Francis releases new encyclical, “Fratelli tutti”

Pope Francis today called for a renewed spirit of global community with the release of his new encyclical, 'Fratelli tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship." The eight-chapter encyclical examines contemporary social and economic problems against a backdrop of the current coronavirus pandemic, which "unexpectedly erupted" during its composition. Yet Pope Francis notes the global health crisis only underscores that “no one can face life in isolation” and that the time has truly come to “dream, then, as a single human family” in which we are “brothers and sisters all."
Illinois bishops offer thoughts on clean energy in Illinois

Illinois bishops offer thoughts on clean energy in Illinois

State lawmakers are expected to craft clean energy legislation during the spring 2021 legislative session. After celebrating the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis's Laudato Si' encyclical on the environment this past June, our Illinois bishops have looked to the groundbreaking document for specific points that would do well to be included in any legislation. The result is the following statement.
CCI Radio Hour: Sept. 21, 2020

CCI Radio Hour: Sept. 21, 2020

Gloria Purvis, co-host of EWTN Radio’s "Morning Glory" show, talks about her call for Catholics to confront the sin of racism in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Then, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, discusses the efforts of the Illinois Legislature’s Black Caucus to craft comprehensive legislation targeting systemic racism slated to be unveiled during the fall veto session. Next, Sr. Stephanie Baliga, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist of Chicago who ministers from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago, last month ran a marathon on a treadmill after learning the Chicago Marathon was cancelled because of the ongoing pandemic. Finally, Molly Perry, board member of Aid for Women, talks about the crisis pregnancy center's virtual benefit dinner on Oct. 7 featuring retired Super-Bowl winning tight end Benjamin Watson as the keynote speaker.
Pope Francis names three new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Chicago

Pope Francis names three new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Chicago

Pope Francis today announced that he has appointed three new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Chicago: Bishops-elect Kevin M. Birmingham, Jeffrey S. Grob and Robert J. Lombardo, CFR. The episcopal ordination of the bishops-elect will take place on the feast of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, November 13, 2020. “We are grateful to the Holy Father for the gift of these new auxiliary bishops,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “Each of these fine priests has made a unique contribution to the life of the church and society, yet they share in common a solid record of pastoral service, fidelity to the Gospel and inspiring personal witness.”
CCI Radio Hour: Aug. 17, 2020

CCI Radio Hour: Aug. 17, 2020

Dr. Michael Boyle, the new superintendent for the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools, joins Bob to talk about his new job. Next, Matt Dietrich, spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections, joins the show to discuss the state's expanded vote-by-mail program for the Nov. 3 general election amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Then, Tony Cube of USCCB's Justice for Immigrants Campaign talks about the federal government's recent changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Finally, Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of the Hallow Catholic meditation and prayer app, discusses how the app was developed and how it just attained the status of the No. 1 Catholic app.