Buffalo Catholic Diocese

A smoky blaze caused damaged inside St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown Buffalo early Friday morning. 

One of the most diverse populations of students can be found inside a west side Catholic elementary school in Buffalo. Many students at Our Lady of Black Rock are able to attend through the Catholic Diocese Bison fund. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley visited the school to find out how educators are engaging students despite high poverty and language barriers.

A message from Pope Francis regarding forgiveness for repentant women who had abortions has raised eyebrows on both sides of the often-contentious issue.

There is a new leader at the helm of Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora.  The Rev. Joseph Gatto  recently began his new position as President-Rector.  In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says growth is occurring on the campus, as new seminarians are studying to become priests and laity seek theologian teachings. 

Catholic Bishop Richard Malone says the situation in the Holy Land is more complex than they thought, after returning from a visit with a delegation of bishops from across the country.

A  former catholic grade school, closed by the Diocese of Buffalo, has re-opened as a pre-school.  New students celebrated a ribbon cutting at St. Bernadette Early Childhood Academy on South Abbott Road in Orchard Park.  In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says the young students were excited, but some parents remain angry at the Diocese for closing the elementary school.

Many Western New Yorkers marvel at the grandeur of Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, built in the 1920s. A local television crew from the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo spent hours researching and conducting interviews to create a documentary that will air across the U.S.  It provides the back story of how the Venerable Father Nelson Baker accomplished the task.

The Diocese of Buffalo announced Wednesday that ten Catholic elementary schools will be closing their doors at the end of this school year. The Diocese believes the closures will strengthen the Catholic education system across western New York.

Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone has responded to the new dialog recently issued by Pope Francis. In this week's Press Pass conversation, WBFO's Eileen Buckley talks with Buffalo News reporter Brian Meyer about his recent In-Focus interview with Bishop Malone.

Bishop Richard Malone, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, says Monday’s announcement from Pope Benedict XVI that he would be resigning at the end of the month came as a surprise.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo has announced a goal of $10.7 million for this year's Appeal.