Federal bankruptcy judge dismisses nine of 10 claims in Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy case

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A judge in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy has eliminated the largest number of sexual abuse claims to date in the four-year-old case.Federal bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley has dismissed nine of 10 claims challenged by the archdiocese.

After dove debacle, Vatican makes balloons new peace symbol

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Dove lovers, rejoice.Balloons, not doves, were released as a gesture of peace Sunday in St.

Pope Francis: Millions gather in Manila for Mass

(CNN) -- Pope Francis urged millions gathered in Manila on Sunday to take care of one another -- and help promote peace in the world.Worshippers in ponchos of all colors held up flickering candles in the rain, hanging on his every word.The Pope wore a yellow poncho over his robe as he celebrated the Mass, which was attended by 6 million people, according to the Philippine News Agency."May he enable all the beloved people of this country to work together, protecting one another, beginning with your families and communities," the Pope said.His homily followed a thunderous welcome to the capital.As he entered the park, the huge crowd chanted, "Papa Francesco, Papa Francesco!"He waved, kissed babies and reached over to touch the hands reaching out to him.'We are all God's children'The Pope's message included one he's talked about many times: empathy."In these days, throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song 'We are all God's children,'" he said. "All of us are God's children, members of God's family."Young people, he said, especially need extra care."Jesus himself needed to be protected," he said."We too need to protect, guide and encourage our young people, helping them to build a society worthy of their great spiritual and cultural heritage," he said.As Francis left the venue in the capital, some jumped over barricades and ran after his vehicle."We love you, Papa Francesco!" others yelled.Intense rainHeavy rains pounded the city ahead of the Mass.

Pope Francis prays for peace in hearts, families, world in New Year

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has prayed for blessings for "the entire human family" in his first public ceremony of the new year.Celebrating Mass Thursday morning in St.

Priests, survivor advocates calling on the Vatican to investigate Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- An open letter sent by a group of local priest and survivor advocates is calling on the Vatican to investigate the Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy.As reported Tuesday, December 2nd in the National Catholic Reporter (NCR), the letter presents six points under church law and practice that would justify such an investigation:

Federal appeals court: Clergy abuse victim can't make bankruptcy claim

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal appeals court says a clergy sexual abuse victim who previously settled with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee cannot set aside that deal to pursue a claim in bankruptcy court.The victim identified in court documents as John Doe settled with the archdiocese for $80,000 in 2007 after participating in mediation.The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying it wouldn't be able to pay if lawsuits filed by other victims went against it.

Lucky teen meets Pope Francis

FOND DU LAC (WITI) -- A Fond du Lac teenager receives the trip of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to meet Pope Francis.14-year-old Kayla Doll was randomly selected from a group of devout and dedicated teenagers to present the pope with a symbolic crown at an event on Saturday, October 25th, at the Vatican.FOX6 News was told that Kayla met the pope while he was walking to the stage, and got to sit in the third row for his speech.

Judge lays out path in Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal bankruptcy judge is laying out how the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's long-running bankruptcy case will proceed after mediation failed.Bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley met Friday with attorneys for the archdiocese, victims of clergy sexual abuse and others involved in the case.She outlined a plan to address sticking points including insurance-related issues, the value of archdiocese bank accounts and which abuse victims have valid claims.

Archdiocese spokesman: Mediation ends without deal

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee says mediation in its bankruptcy case has ended without a deal with sexual abuse victims and others owed money.A second round of talks started Monday in Minnesota.

"It's pretty much a blessing:" Habitat for Humanity home built to honor Pope Francis

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Dozens of volunteers spent Monday morning building five new homes in the rain for Habitat for Humanity.But one of those hard workers is actually a recipient of one of the homes."It's pretty much a blessing and I'm here and I'm happy," said Erskine Jude.Jude was thrilled to learn he will soon own the very home he is working on.He plans to move in with his mother and his 2 nephews who he has cared for since the passing of his brother."My mom's been calling me saying you all still out building the houses even though it's raining out?' Yes, mom we're out here.

Two days of talks, no deal yet in Milwaukee archdiocese bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (AP) — No deal has been reached after two days of mediation in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case.Attorneys for the archdiocese, victims of clergy sexual abuse and others involved in the case met Monday and Tuesday in Minneapolis to try to come up with a settlement.Archdiocese spokesman Jerry Topczewski said Wednesday no deal was reached but two more days of mediation are scheduled for Sept. 22 and 23.Topczewski says mediation is confidential and he can't discuss details but archdiocese officials remain optimistic.The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying it wouldn't have the money to pay if it lost lawsuits filed by victims of clergy sexual abuse.

Mediation begins Monday in Archdiocese's bankruptcy case

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mediation in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's long and costly bankruptcy case begins Monday, September 8th, and legal experts say the time is right for at least a partial deal to help settle the matter and bring closure to hundreds of sexual abuse victims who have filed claims.A sticking point has been a $55 million trust fund that victims believe New York Cardinal and former Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan set up to shield money from them.

Milwaukee's Archbishop fields questions about Pope Francis, gay marriage

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki was a guest at the Milwaukee Press Club's Newsmaker Luncheon on Wednesday afternoon, September 3rd.Listecki was interviewed by a panel of three journalists including FOX6's Ted Perry.

ONE-ON-ONE: Archbishop Listecki discusses issues facing the church

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The spiritual leader of around 700,000 Catholics in the Milwaukee area speaks one-on-one with FOX6 reporter Mike Lowe about a number of pressing issues facing the church.Listecki spoke about how the Pope Francis effect is impacting local churches, how the church plans to draft a blueprint for the future, and the meaning of Easter.The Archbishop leaves Milwaukee Monday, April 21st for a trip to the Vatican.