Pope Francis has called for a re-examination of the role of bishops in the Catholic Church, emphasising the need for greater collaboration with laypeople. Addressing over 400 delegates at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Francis noted that including laymen, laywomen, priests and religious as synod delegates reflects a shift towards greater participation in decision-making. Francis Read more
Cardinal Mario Grech has extended an invitation to all Catholics to contribute to the ongoing work of Synod study groups. This initiative, open until June 2025, allows individuals and groups within the Church to submit their insights, observations and proposals on key theological issues. The Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano reported that Cardinal Grech, Secretary General of Read more
A diplomatic row has erupted between Belgium and the Vatican after Pope Francis referred to abortion as “murder” and called doctors who perform the procedure “hitmen”. Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has summoned the Vatican’s ambassador, Archbishop Franco Coppola, following the “unacceptable” comments. De Croo stressed “Fortunately, the time when the Church dictated laws Read more
Seven cardinals called for forgiveness for seven sins during the penitential celebration at the opening of the Synod of Bishops’ second session last week. Sins against peace Cardinal Oswald Gracias sought forgiveness “for the lack of courage, the necessary courage in the pursuit of peace between peoples and nations. “Our sin is even graver if, Read more
Marriage between the Vatican’s 100-strong employee pool isn’t allowed. You can live together and work together, you can have children together and work together, but you may not be married and work together. Oh no. If you marry, one of you must volunteer to leave the Vatican’s employ altogether (going to another department isn’t acceptable). Read more
The Vatican announced on October that there is currently no basis for ordaining women deacons. The announcement came from Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s Doctrine Office. It came after a year-long study by a specially appointed unnamed synod group. “We have concluded that there is still no room for a positive decision Read more
The Prelature of Opus Dei in Argentina has “categorically denied the accusations of human trafficking and labour exploitation” made by a group of women. The claim was made public recently due to a requested court inquiry of several priests who served as vicars for Opus Dei in that country between 1991 and 2015. The Argentine Read more
The Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union announced the names of many new asteroids this summer, and four nuns deserved recognition among the stars. They are Sister Emilia Ponzoni (1883-1950), Sister Regina Colombo (1885-1953), Sister Concetta Finardi (1896-1975), and Sister Luigia Panceri (1893-1982), with the first two announced in the June bulletin and Read more
An incident, with dramatic implications, of intolerance on a confessional basis at the Civil Hospital of Sahiwal, in Punjab, once again highlights the discrimination suffered by minorities in Pakistan. Doctors at the hospital, who should be entrusted with the task of saving lives, have been guilty of gross negligence at the clinical level, as well Read more
The Archdiocese of New York has filed a lawsuit against its long-time insurer, Chubb, accusing the company of evading its responsibility to cover settlements related to clerical sexual abuse claims. Cardinal Timothy Dolan alleges that Chubb is neglecting its contractual obligations despite receiving billions in premiums from the archdiocese over the years. In a letter Read more