Many of Germany’s churches have reopened as the country begins to ease the past six weeks’ coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Everyone attending services must wear masks and stay apart from each other. No singing is permitted. As well as extra hygiene requirements, members of the congregation have to sit in designated seats 1.5 meters apart. All Read more
The Vatican has announced that new “measures” have been taken against officials at the Vatican Secretariat of State as part of ongoing investigations into financial dealings at the curial department. In a statement sent to journalists April 30, Holy See press officer Matteo Bruni said that in response to “some questions from journalists,” he could Read more
Cardinal Pell’s release has a number of influential Catholic figures across Australia expressing concern that the divisive atmosphere stoked by the recent quashing of Pell’s sexual abuse convictions could frustrate hopes for an upcoming once-in-a-generation assembly of the nation’s church. The assembly, a plenary council in preparation for two years and involving the direct input Read more
Last Wednesday Maria Teresa Baruffi, who lives in the northern Italian town of Caravaggio with her family, received a surprising phone call while standing in line at the supermarket: It was Pope Francis, asking to speak to her son, Andrea. Several days prior, Andrea, who is 18, had sent a letter to Pope Francis to Read more
Cambodia’s government has been using the coronavirus pandemic as a cover to make arbitrary arrests of opposition political leaders and its critics, says a US-based human rights organization. The government has detained at least 30 people for spreading “fake news” since the start of the outbreak in the country in January, New York-based Human Rights Read more
Some Catholic priests are changing the sacramental liturgy prescribed for anointing the sick so they can administer the sacrament by proxy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In this practice, a nurse or family member takes on the act of anointing the patient while the priest prays over them. Some Church leaders have spoken out against Read more
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could result in America’s next spiritual revival, says a megachurch pastor. Despite the lockdowns aimed at preventing the often deadly virus’s spread, “the doors for the church have never been more open”, Pastor Greg Laurie says. His first online service when the lockdown started was watched by 250,000 people. Since then, Read more
Victoria’s Attorney-General, Jill Hennessy, says there are no legal impediments to the release of unredacted portions of the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews says he thinks it’s “very important that those documents be released and that those victims know and understand exactly what was Read more
New York’s cardinal, Timothy Dolan, praised President Donald Trump last week during a group telephone call with 600 Catholic leaders and key White House staff. Responding to Trump’s request for their political support, Dolan thanked him for his leadership on pro-life and religious liberty issues. Trump responded by tweeting that he would be watching Sunday Read more
Italy’s bishops’ conference is demanding the government lift its ban on public Masses now the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown is being eased. On Sunday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced a gradual resumption of normal life in Italy. To date, COVID-19 has led over 26,000 deaths in Italy and infected almost 200,000. For the meantime, Prime Minister Read more