New Zealand

Introducing the new Papal Nuncio to New Zealand and Pacific

Papal Nuncio

The new papal nuncio to New Zealand and the Pacific has formally presented his credentials to Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. Archbishop Gábor Pintér succeeds former papal nuncio Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa who returned to Rome in March after suffering a stroke last October. Our new Vatican ambassador, who comes from Hungary, has most recently undertaken diplomatic Read more

Support Life Sunday – putting life and human dignity first

Support Life Sunday

Support Life Sunday is a day set aside to encourage Catholics everywhere to reflect on life and the human dignity of every person. “Every person matters… always! He mea nui te ora o ngā tāngata katoa… i ngā wā katoa!” So reads New Zealand’s Support Life Sunday tagline. Inspired by the Vatican document Dignitas Infinita Read more

Analysis and Comment

An end to the Roman Church?

Church

Most of us have grown up in a highly centralised European “Catholic” Church, and so we feel uncomfortable with many of the changes being promoted by Pope Francis. After his visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore last month, Francis was heard to remark that “some people are still too Eurocentric” when they Read more

Answering a blunt question: does religion do any good for one’s health?

religion

It is widely acknowledged healthy spirituality is good for mental health. Can the same be said for religion, Graham Redding asks. Awareness of the contribution that spirituality can make to health has come a long way. Spiritual care Aotearoa’s healthcare system adopts a holistic approach, often encapsulated in the Māori model of health, te whare Read more

Richard Hays and the lost art of repentance

Repentance

This month, Yale University Press released “The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story,” a highly anticipated book coauthored by preeminent New Testament scholar Richard Hays and his son, Christopher, himself a respected Old Testament scholar. In this book they seek to make a biblical case for same-sex relationships and marriage. Ending the Read more

The post-October 7 world and the ‘new covenant’ between Jews and Christians

Catholic Church

One year ago, the longest and deadliest war between Israelis and Arabs since 1948 began, having profound effects on the Catholic Church. Pope Francis marked the anniversary of the beginning of the war in Israel after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack by calling a day of prayer and fasting for peace. On October 6, Read more

St Joe’s legendary Miss Kingi moves from school to ministry

St Joseph Māori Girls' College

Miss Kingi – Dame Georgina, that is – has been at St Joseph Māori Girls’ College just about forever. Several generations … as a pupil, as a teacher, as principal. She took over as principal in 1987 when the Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission stepped away from running the school. Always known as Read more

  • Oddly

    • Church to be used as a climbing hall in the future

      The Petrus Canisius Church in Innsbruck, Austria, is set to be partially converted into a climbing hall, according to a letter from Bishop Hermann Glettler to the parish The project, titled “Train your body & soul,” aims to make the Read more

  • CathNews
    is free

  • World

  • Vatican expands dialogue on women’s ministry

    Women's ministry

    The Vatican group studying the question of women’s ministry announced that consultations, including the potential for female ordination to the diaconate, will be expanded to include more voices. The move comes amid growing debate within the Synod on Synodality. Members are pushing for further discussion and clarity on the controversial issue. At the heart of Read more

  • Bishops urged to lead with pastoral care, not authority

    Pastoral care

    Theologians advising the Synod of Bishops have emphasised the need for diocesan bishops to adopt a more pastoral and collaborative leadership style and avoid a monarchical approach. “The bishop is not the lord of the church, but the servant of the Lord, at the service of his community” Father Carlos María Galli, a Catholic University Read more

  • Pope urges peace in Ukraine during Zelensky visit to Vatican

    Pope Francis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday at the Vatican to discuss the humanitarian crisis and possible paths to peace. The Pope expressed particular concern for Ukrainian children impacted by the war. He noted that many had “lost the ability to smile” according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office. Read more

  • Artificial intelligence ethics under Catholic microscope

    artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence is about to get a close-up investigation from Notre Dame Catholic University academics tasked with reporting on its ethical uses. This is a task close to the Pope’s heart. Earlier this year he spoke of political leaders’ responsibility to ensure AI is used ethically. Project plan The University has announced that it will Read more

  • Young Catholics march for the Latin Mass – we want it back!

    Latin Mass

    Young Catholics want the Latin Mass back. So on 5 October they took to the streets in Washington DC calling for Pope Francis to restore the Latin Mass. Scores of protesters joined the 11-kilometre “National Summorum Pontificum” march – so dubbed in honour of Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter about celebrating the Latin Mass. Read more