The Vatican’s media outlet, Vatican News, reported that the Asian synodal continental assembly in Bangkok had used artificial intelligence (AI) to help draft a final document, sparking an online debate. The assembly’s participants represented 29 countries, and Fr Clarence Devadass, a discernment and drafting team member, presented the updated document. Fr Devadass explained the process: Read more
A 56-year old Belgian mother who murdered her five children has been euthanised at her own request. It is 16 years since Genevieve Lhermitte (pictured left and far right) killed her son and four daughters, aged three to 14 on 28 February 2007, while their father was away. She then tried to commit suicide. After Read more
The death of a candidate nun of the Sisters of Providence of the Institute of Charity in India has been ruled a suicide and shocked the community. Anna Poorani, a 27-year-old postulant candidate from Tamil Nadu, was found hanging in her room in the congregation’s house in Vettuthara near Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala state, Read more
The pope’s key clergy abuse reform effort is not working, says a papal consultant. Jesuit Fr Hans Zollner made the admission last Thursday to a group of clergy survivors of sexual abuse. Speaking in an online session, Zollner was asked if there is recourse for those who feel their cases have not been properly handled. Read more
Pope Francis has cut housing perks for Vatican managers and cardinals in order to save the Church money. Reuters and Vatican News reported March 1 that cardinals and other high-level positions at the Vatican will no longer be able to live in Vatican-connected apartments for free or at special prices. The Vatican owns an extensive Read more
Despite repeated warnings from the Vatican, a letter by the president of the German Bishops’ Conference published Wednesday confirms that plans for a German synodal council are progressing. In the letter— dated February 23 and published March 1 — Bishop Georg Bätzing writes that the German bishops take the Vatican’s “concerns” about a German synodal Read more
Last month, a “bombshell” letter from the Carthusian monks in Voiron, France circulated through the world of spirits. The letter explains a decision by the monks to limit the production of Charteuse, their famed alpine liqueur dating to 1605, in order “to focus on their primary goal: protect their monastic life and devote their time Read more
After three of Brazil’s most important wine producers were accused of using slave labor last week, the Brazilian Church released a statement affirming that wines made by manufacturers which violate “the respect to human dignity” must not be chosen as sacramental wines. Black Church activists, nevertheless, want more concrete actions from the clergy. On February Read more
One year after the devastating Lismore flood, the town’s residents are still dealing with the disaster’s lasting impact. Despite the challenges they face, many are finding strength and hope in the solidarity of their community. The flood in March 2022 was the worst to hit the town in over a decade, with over 100 homes Read more
The Vatican has deemed incompetent Br René Stockman, (68), the Superior General of the Brothers of Charity in Rome and has removed him from all his administrative functions. Stockman is accused of not managing the Religious Congregation properly, of a lack of financial transparency and long-term vision. While Stockman remains Superior General of the Brothers Read more