Priests working in slums in Argentina have issued a petition defending Pope Francis against what they call a “brutal campaign against him”. The priests, together with a lay group, say there are attacks “of every kind” against the Pope, Crux reported. Local media and political leaders have either tried to claim Francis as their own Read more
A popular Irish priest has won NZ$25,000 in a local lotto draw. Limerick-based Fr Pat Currivan won 16,000 Euros in Oola’s lotto. The priest says he will use the winnings to do much needed home improvements. “It came just at the right time and that will pay for it. I got a phone call on Read more
Pope Francis has said he avoids conflict with Catholic ultra-conservatives. “They do their work and I do mine,” Francis said in interview published in Argentina’s La Nacion on Sunday. “I want a Church that is open, compassionate, that accompanies wounded families. They say no to everything,” the Pope said of ultra-conservatives. But he added, “I’m Read more
The founder of a US religious order died during a Mass celebrating 75 years since she made her first vows. Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, had a heart attack during the Mass in Connecticut. She was the Mother Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Mother Rosemae had received the renewal of her vows during Read more
An African archbishop has said there are worse sins than priests who have promised to be celibate having sex. Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong, who is Archbishop emeritus of Kumasi archdiocese in Ghana, was responding to people accusing priests of having sex. “Of course it is against their vows and it is inimical to the growth Read more
Russia’s new religious laws may affect small groups of Evangelicals more than the Catholic Church in Russia. Russia’s new anti-terrorism laws, which include sweeping restrictions on Christian evangelising and teaching the faith, have officially come into force. A Catholic priest, who has been serving in Russia for 24 years, says the Catholic Church follows government Read more
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has endorsed the mercy-filled ministry of his successor, Pope Francis. Benedict did this at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican at a ceremony held to celebrate the anniversary of his ordination as priest 65 years ago. Francis was at the event, as were some 30 cardinals and invited guests. The retired Read more
A statement from the traditionalist Society of St Pius X indicates that a new attempt at reconciliation with Rome has stalled. According to the statement, issued by SSPX superior general Bishop Bernard Fellay, the society “does not primarily seek recognition from the Vatican”. Bishop Fellay met Pope Francis for the first time in April. For Read more
A US diocese notorious for its past handling of clergy sexual abuse has held a Service of Lament. The special liturgy of penitence took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City on June 26. The previous bishop of Kansas City-St Joseph, Bishop Robert Finn, was sentenced to two years probation after Read more
Several principals of Catholic schools in Victoria won’t distribute a Catholic Education Commission letter that warns against voting for the Greens. The commission wrote to tens of thousands of Victorian parents at some 100 schools last week. The letter, from CEC chief executive Stephen Elder, claimed that the Greens’ education policies would result in less Read more