A Dutch cardinal has said that he is pressing ahead with a plan to phase out Sunday Word and Communion services in the absence of a priest within his territory. Cardinal Willem Eijk, the Archbishop of Utrecht, said in a Feb 14 letter that he was committed to eliminating the priestless Sunday celebrations over the Read more
World
More than 100 priests suspected of abuse remain active in Portugal’s Catholic Church
Monday, February 20th, 2023More than 100 priests suspected of child sexual abuse remain active in church roles in Portugal, according to the head of a commission investigating the issue. The commission, which started its work in January 2022, said in its final report published on Monday that at least 4,815 children were sexually abused by members of the Read more
‘No chance’ of reopening VOD, Cambodian PM says
Monday, February 20th, 2023There is “no chance” one of Cambodia’s last independent media outlets will be allowed to reopen, leader Hun Sen said Tuesday, after officials hit back at Western governments’ concerns over press freedoms ahead of national elections. Online Khmer- and English-language outlet Voice of Democracy (VOD) stopped broadcasting on Monday. Prime Minister Hun Sen had ordered Read more
Pope Francis creates independent supervisory commission for Rome Diocese
Monday, February 20th, 2023Pope Francis on Wednesday created a new independent supervisory commission for the Diocese of Rome. The commission will meet once a month and report directly to the pope in a yearly meeting. The oversight committee is part of the pope’s reform of the governance of the Rome Diocese, a reorganization that centralizes more of the Read more
Animal rights group blasts Pope over circus
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Pope Francis and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski are receiving criticism from animal rights activists for organising a circus outing for over 200 marginalised individuals in Rome. The International Organisation for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) has claimed that the animals are subjected to “painful constraints” for human amusement by the circus, known for its animal acts. Read more
Crackdown on child marriages in India hailed by religious leaders
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Religious leaders, including Christians, have applauded the recent move by police in the north-eastern state of Assam, India, to curb child marriages. More than 3,000 people, including Hindu and Muslim priests who officiated the child marriages in the state, were rounded up as part of the crackdown, which began on 3 February. The initiative was Read more
Priests are shepherds, not bosses
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec has stated that pastors should help their people grow in a relationship with Jesus as shepherds, not be their bosses. Lacroix was speaking at a press conference previewing a three-day Vatican meeting on how to improve collaboration among laypeople, priests and bishops. Lacroix wants priests to recognise that laypeople Read more
Pope supports global target to eradicate female genital mutilation
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Female genital mutilation must stop, Pope Francis told reporters on the plane when returning from a four-day trip to Bahrain on Sunday. Defending women’s rights, Francis specifically condemned as a “criminal act” female genital mutilation (FGM) and trafficking women for prostitution. Both these crimes are “humiliating affronts to women’s dignity” he said, urging officials to Read more
Anglican same-sex blessings vote applies only to England
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Rumours swirling about the Anglican Communion in England’s recent ‘yes’ vote for same-sex blessings have been cleared up by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Decisions made by the Anglican Communion in England apply only to England. They don’t have an international reach, Justin Welby says. He reminded people of the autonomy of Anglican Provinces, as rumours Read more
Offer concrete support to Turkey and Syria urges Pope
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Pope Francis is urging people to pray and offer concrete support for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked both countries last week, toppling buildings and killing tens of thousands. Hearing the call, the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will be providing at least NZ$800,000 of immediate Read more