Former President George W. Bush writes in the Washington Post: My administration launched PEPFAR in 2003 to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic that threatened to wipe out an entire generation on the continent of Africa. Nearly 15 years later, the program has achieved remarkable results in the fight against disease. Today, because of the commitment of many foreign… Read More George W. Bush: PEPFAR Has Saved Millions, Keep Funding It

“Baruch ata Adonai…” recites my grandmother in Hebrew, as she lights the Passover candles. Her son, my Jewish father, sits to my left. My Catholic mother is at the other end of the room. About 15 friends and relatives are crammed around my parents’ dining room table, where I sat every Sunday night for CCD during middle… Read More Passover, Fatherhood, and the Power of Names

via the Washington Post: Two bombs rocked churches packed with worshipers in the Egyptian cities of Tanta and Alexandria on Sunday, killing at least 36 and injuring scores more. The assaults were the latest in a spate of attacks targeting Egypt’s Coptic Christian minority and come ahead of a scheduled visit by Pope Francis to Egypt.… Read More ISIS Kills Dozens in Palm Sunday Attacks in Egypt

via Michael O’Loughlin: Cardinal Blase Cupich announced he will use $250,000 from his discretionary charitable fund to create a new foundation to fund anti-violence programs throughout Chicago, an initiative with support from Pope Francis. The cardinal told reporters on April 4 that the archdiocese will expand existing mentorship, educational and job programs at Catholic entities and… Read More With the Pope’s Support, Cardinal Cupich Takes on Violence in Chicago

In a great new video, Bishop Christopher Coyne discusses the decision to have a Year of Creation in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. He talks about the importance of protecting creation and the poor, addressing climate change and other environmental threats like pollution, and living in a way that is more just and sustainable:

Warning: this post contains violent images via CNN: At least 70 people, including at least 10 children, have been killed in what is suspected to be one of the deadliest chemical attacks in Syria in years, activist groups say. Airstrikes hit the rebel-held city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province on Tuesday morning, giving off… Read More Dozens, Including Children, Die in Possible Sarin Attack in Syria

I know that you, young people, don’t want to be duped by a false freedom, always at the beck and call of momentary fashions and fads. I know that you aim high. Is that true, or am I wrong? Don’t leave it to others to be the protagonists of change. You, young people, are the… Read More Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for April 2017: For Young People to Change the World