Pope Francis will not travel to Israel on Friday to attend the funeral of Shimon Peres, despite an announcement to the contrary by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. A spokesman for the ministry said Francis was expected to attend the funeral, along with US President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Prince Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Read more
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Pope Francis can’t attend Shimon Peres funeral- he’s peacemaking in Georgia
Friday, September 30th, 2016Playboy features woman wearing hijab
Friday, September 30th, 2016For the first time ever, Playboy has featured a woman wearing a hijab. The magazine’s October issue includes an interview with 22-year-old journalist Noor Tagouri, who’s a reporter for online news outlet, Newsy. The accompanying photo shows a fully-clothed Tagouri wearing the traditional Muslim head scarf in front of a red, white and blue backdrop. Read more
Miracles of healing and Vatican’s new rules
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Miracles of healing will have to be checked against new rules. Pope Francis has approved revised norms to ensure transparency. Historical and scientific accuracy are also important factors. The Congregation of Saints Causes must have at least six medical experts on a Consultation Team panel. Two-thirds of the team must approve a statement declaring a Read more
Fourteen priests murdered in Mexico since 2012
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Two Mexican priests were abducted from their church and murdered on Sunday. A church assistant managed to escape. The priests were working in Poza Rica, which is a city in Veracruz state. In all, 14 priests have been murdered in Mexico since 2012. Pope Francis has expressed “profound sadness” for the murders. He condemned the attacks on Read more
Religious leaders must condemn terrorism
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Religious leaders must help counter the spread of hatred and violence in the name of religion. They must also promote more inclusive and peaceful societies. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin wants protection for the victims of atrocities. He also urged both religious leaders and national authorities to step up preventive measures. He says Read more
Harry Potter – the new religion
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Harry Potter could be a religion say two Harvard academics. They have released a weekly podcast called “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.” Vanessa Zoltan and Caspar ter Kuile are both graduates of the Harvard Divinity School. The podcast answers the question, “What if we read the books we love as if they were sacred Read more
Religious conflict countered in French workplaces
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
Religious conflict in French workplaces is growing. This follows a growing presence of religion in workplaces. To counter this the French government will release a guide on religion in the workplace. The guide will explain employee and employer rights in religious confrontation at work. Thirty-nine specific cases in the guide provide examples. These include topics Read more
Canon Law change harmonises East and West
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016Canon law changes are underway. Pope Francis has strengthened the Latin and Eastern Churches’ cooperative efforts in spreading the Gospel with a new decree. This brings the Latin Church’s Code of Canon Law into harmony with the canon law of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Read more
Dalai Lama mocks Donald Trump
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016Exiled Tibetian leader, the Dalai Lama, has been interviewed on British morning television with Piers Morgan. Morgan asked the Dalai Lama what he thought of Donald Trump.Read more