As part of its long-running efforts to respect the environment and reduce its use of resources, the Vatican said it was gradually trying to replace all its service vehicles with an all-electric fleet. “Soon we will start collaborating with automobile manufacturers who are able to provide electrical vehicles for evaluation,” said Roberto Mignucci, director of Read more
World
Return to Pope John Paul’s teachings on capitalism mooted
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
Some Catholics say returning to Pope John Paul’s views on capitalism is in keeping with Catholic doctrine. Their views on capitalism contrast with those of Pope Francis, who is calling for a rethink of the free market economy. At a recent webinar, “Pope John Paul II Centennial: The Liberation of a Continent’s Political-Economic Systems of Read more
Former papal envoy tried in his absence for sex assaults
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
A sexual assault trial for the former papal envoy to France went ahead despite his absence on Tuesday. Archbishop Luigi Ventura (75) had produced a doctor’s note saying it was too dangerous for him to travel from Rome to the trial in Paris during the coronavirus epidemic. Lawyers for the accusers of the retired papal Read more
200 travelers turn up at wedding; Priest faces £1,000 fine
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
A Catholic priest is facing a fine of £1,000 after 200 guests turned up to a gypsy wedding. Under Covid-19 rules, at the time the legal limit was only 15. Fr Simon Hall of Our Lady of the Angels church in Nuneaton, UK was told by police to expect a summons in the mail. Hall, Read more
Biden attends church: Trump goes golfing
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
While Joe Biden attended church with his family, Donald Trump played golf and continued to insist he won the election. The President and President-elect both followed their usual Sunday routines after the 2020 US election. Mr Biden attended the 10.30 am Mass at St Joseph On the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington with his wife Read more
‘Review anxiety’ forces Irish priests to abandon online Masses
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
Many Irish priests are abandoning online broadcasts of masses due to anxiety created by digital reviews. As in many countries, churches and other places of worship in the Irish Republic have significant restrictions. Priests are required to say mass in empty or near-empty churches. To reach parishioners, masses have been broadcast online since restrictions on Read more
Sex abuse rumours about ex-cardinal not seriously investigated
Thursday, November 12th, 2020
Ongoing sex abuse rumors about disgraced ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick were never properly investigated, a Vatican report into his conduct says. Barely challenged, the US clergyman (pictured) ascended the Catholic hierarchy to become a cardinal – a prince of the Church. He used personal contacts to help him along the way. When challenged, he protested his Read more
Vatican to open refugee reception centre in Rome
Thursday, November 12th, 2020A building in Rome owned by a convent will be used as a reception centre for up to 60 asylum seekers, the chaplain responsible for the Vatican’s charitable works announced Monday. Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, dubbed Pope Francis’s “Robin Hood” by the Italian press, said in a statement that the centre would welcome single women, Read more
Vatican enlists bots to protect library from hackers
Thursday, November 12th, 2020Ancient intellects are now being guarded by artificial intelligence following moves to protect one of the most extraordinary collections of historical manuscripts and documents in the world from cyber-attacks. The Vatican Apostolic Library, which holds 80,000 documents of immense importance and immeasurable value, including the oldest surviving copy of the Bible and drawings and writings Read more
Polish cardinal chastised by Vatican in hospital
Thursday, November 12th, 2020A prominent Polish cardinal who was recently sanctioned by the Vatican over sexual abuse allegations has been hospitalized since last week and remains unconscious, Polish media reported Tuesday. Retired Archbishop Henryk Gulbinowicz was sanctioned by the Vatican last week after the 97-year-old was accused of sexually abusing a seminarian and of covering up abuse in Read more