Liberal and conservative Catholics who anticipate significant shifts in Catholic teaching and practice from the upcoming session of the Synod of Bishops are likely to be let down. The comments come from the Vatican’s new doctrinal chief, Cardinal Victor Fernández. However, he is not ruling out the possibility of future change. Fernández says that those Read more
Emeritus Professor of Law Fr Frank Brennan SJ has sharply criticised the Albanese government for its handling of the Indigenous Voice referendum. Brennan, a staunch advocate for giving Indigenous Australians a voice in parliament, accuses the Albanese government of three major errors he believes have set back the cause. According to Brennan, the following have Read more
An annual Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral, with a rich tradition spanning over half a century, has been relocated due to ongoing Vatican restrictions on celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass. For more than 50 years, the Latin Mass Society has hosted this annual sung Mass, dedicated to the repose of the souls of its deceased Read more
Climate change deniers and politicians are called to note that the World’s responses to climate change have not been adequate. According to Pope Francis, nations are using climate change responses merely as a ploy to distract attention, and it’s time to get serious. The comments come in a stern warning in Laudate Deum, issued by Read more
Pope Francis has hinted he could be open to blessing same-sex couples provided certain conditions are met. The blessings must not be confused with the wedding ceremonies of heterosexuals, and decisions as to whether to bless these couples should be decided on a case-by-case basis he said. Francis shared his views on several hot theological Read more
Concern is brewing among Catholics when they learnt that not a single New Zealand woman is representing the country at the upcoming Synod. New Zealand’s bishops had nominated a balanced slate of nine candidates, including five women and four men, but the final selection process has left many Kiwi men and women scratching their heads. Read more
Academic scholars, including historians and theologians, have stressed the need for more focus and efforts on studies on the richness and diversity of Catholicism in Asia, which they say remain largely underdeveloped. The remarks came during a hybrid roundtable discussion titled “Catholic Studies in Asia: Prospects and Challenges” hosted by the Asia Research Institute (ARI) Read more
Catholic clergy and laypeople will gather at the Vatican Oct. 4-29 for a synod, or summit of bishops and laypeople, to discuss synodality, with an emphasis on communion, participation and mission. While some might dismiss the highly anticipated event as a meeting on meetings, the term synodality under Pope Francis has expanded to reflect his Read more
Celibacy is not a direct cause of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The comments come from Hans Zollner SJ, a distinguished psychologist with a doctorate in theology. He made the comments in an interview with Infovaticana. “Celibacy is not a direct cause of abuse; what can become a risk factor is a ministry poorly Read more
People from Christchurch joined with those from Palmerston North to fill the Palmerston North Holy Spirit Cathedral on Saturday for the episcopal ordination of John Adams. Adams was ordained bishop by the President of the New Zealand Bishops Conference and Bishop of Auckland, Steve Lowe and also installed as the third bishop of Palmerston North. Read more