Our Takes Daily

St. Paul-Minneapolis archbishop's home robbed

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune

While Archbishop John Nienstedt was in Rome to receive his pallium, gem- and precious-metal-laden rings and crosses, along with a small safe, were stolen from his St. Paul residence. "These things are historically and reverentially irreplaceable," Dennis McGrath, spokesman for the archdiocese, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "They're beyond value." More info here>>

Venezuelan church backs socialist president

The Washington Post

A group of dissident Venezuelan Catholic priests, Lutherans and Anglicans have formed Reformist Catholic Church of Venezuela that supports President Hugo Chavez’s socialist ideals. Cardinal Jorge Urosa Sabino, archbishop of Caracas, accused the reformists of attempting to divide the Catholic Church, which has consistently criticized Chavez's push toward socialism while retaining its status as one of the country's most widely trusted institutions. More info here>>

And the verdict is...

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

After serving on a jury that convicted two men Monday of a Duquesne home invasion, Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik said convictions are necessary to protect society. "It highlighted for me the valuable process that jury service is in this country. It shows that nobody is too busy to be a juror," said the bishop, who wore a white collar and black suit throughout the three-day trial. More info here>>