Pope Francis declares St. Irenaeus “Doctor of Unity” (CNA) Pope Francis on Friday officially declared St. Irenaeus of Lyon as the 37th Doctor of the Church, with the title “Doctor Unitatis” (“Doctor of Unity”). “May the doctrine of such a great Master encourage more and more the path of all the Lord’s disciples towards full communion,” the pope wrote in a decree signed on Jan. 21…

Activist group projects pro-choice messages on D.C. shrine (CNA) Pro-life Catholic leaders reacted with shock and disgust at an activist group’s projection of pro-choice messages on the fascade of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Thursday night in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the annual March for Life. The group Catholics for Choice took responsibility for the images, which were beamed from a median across the street from the basilica while a prayer vigil to end abortion was going on inside…

Indian priests end hunger strike over liturgy (UCANews) Priests and laity have called off their indefinite hunger strike after a bishop conceded to their demand to ignore a bishops’ synod decision to have a uniform celebration of Mass in the Eastern-rite Syro-Malabar Church. They were protesting the decision of their synod to follow a uniform liturgical celebration in its 35 dioceses and put an end to a dispute stretching back more than four decades…

Vatican includes group backing women’s ordination on website (AP) The Vatican has included a group that advocates for women’s ordination on a website promoting a two-year consultation of rank-and-file Catholics, indicating that Pope Francis wants to hear from all Catholics during the process. The inclusion of the Women’s Ordination Conference on the website promoting the Vatican’s 2023 “synod,” or meeting of bishops, is significant since the Vatican has long held the group at arm’s length. Catholic doctrine forbids the ordination of women as priests…

Bishop offers gratitude after recent heart surgery (CNS) Retired Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson expressed in a Jan. 18 message thanks to all who prayed and helped before, during and after his open-heart surgery. “Please know my deepest gratitude for your prayers and best wishes,” Kicanas said in his message, which was posted on the diocese’s website. “I am deeply aware of how I need others and how their love and concern make such a difference. I am more conscious than ever of my vulnerability and my dependence on the Lord…”