The rumour has been spreading for several days: the Vatican is reportedly about to completely prohibit the possibility of celebrating Mass in the old form of the rite. Originating on June 17 from the well-informed traditionalist blog Rorate Caeli, this rumour has since spread rapidly. Some are even suggesting the date of July 16, the Read more
In 2023, the income of the Peter’s Pence Fund, intended to meet the needs of the universal Church and to support numerous initiatives in favour of those most in need, amounted to 52 million euros (48.4 million from offerings received and 3.6 million from financial income realised from the remuneration of assets), while the expenditures Read more
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore has reminded those keen on attending Pope Francis’ mass in Singapore that WhatsApp or other instant messaging apps will not be used in general ticketing or balloting processes. A statement on its website on June 23 said it had received reports of Catholics having their WhatsApp accounts taken over Read more
A widespread and bizarre controversy in Italy has finally come to an end after the Vatican announced that a notorious Marian statue that allegedly shed tears of blood was deemed to be false. The story is a fantastical tale that has captivated the Italian imagination for over a year. It involves fraud charges, an apparent Read more
Young Kiwis are in distress as inequities amplify mental health challenges. Recent data showed one in five young people aged 15 to 25 were experiencing higher rates of psychological distress than other aged groups. Collated by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Te Hiringa Mahara, the assessment also showed Māori, disabled and LGBTQIA+ youth had Read more
The NZ Catholic newspaper has sent out its final print publication. While the print newspaper is the last of 100 years of Catholic publications owned and operated by Bishops of Auckland, it will return. At least that’s the current plan says Auckland’s Catholic bishop, Steve Lowe. It’ll be a 21st century digital paper, with Lowe Read more
Pope Francis decreed Wednesday that an area of northern Rome, long the source of controversy because of electromagnetic waves emitted by Vatican Radio towers, will now house a field of solar panels to fuel Vatican City. Citing the Vatican’s pledge in UN climate treaties to curb carbon emissions, Francis tasked a commission of Vatican officials Read more
Two disappeared Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests seized by Russian forces from their church in Berdyansk in November 2022 have been released after months of captivity, according to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Redemptorist Fathers Ivan Levitsky and Bohdan Geleta, who served at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Berdyansk, were among Read more
Almost 2,000 Notre Dame University students and alumni have signed a petition urging the school’s outgoing president, Father John Jenkins, to rescind the Laetare Medal awarded in 2106 to then-Vice President Joe Biden. The Laetare Medal is conferred annually by Notre Dame “in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society.” American political Read more
The headmaster of a Christchurch boys’ school has spoken to students about rape language, telling them “rape is not a joke”. The discussion was prompted after he was told of students joking about rape, including a footballer saying “I raped you”, after a slide tackle. Christchurch Boys’ High School headmaster Nic Hill spoke to students Read more