Pope Francis’s approach to ecumenism is setting him apart from his predecessors, says the head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Cardinal Kurt Koch told a German Catholic website that Francis lays more emphasis than Benedict XVI did on strengthening ecumenical relationships through joint prayer, activities and encounters. The reason for this is Read more
The number of Italian pilgrims visiting Medjugorje in Bosnia has halved since Pope Francis said a decision on the apparitions is imminent. The New York Times reported concerns from locals, as Italian visitors to Medjugorje make up the bulk of pilgrims visiting the village. “Whatever the verdict turns out to be, this wait is creating Read more
A “path of conversion” suggested for civilly remarried Catholics would see them abstain from sexual relations for a week at Easter. Italian canon lawyer Fr Eugenio Zanetti’s idea was one of those mooted in a book “Family and Church, an indissoluble bond”, published in Italian in June. The book contained lectures by theologians and lawyers Read more
A former papal ambassador awaiting a Vatican trial for abuse of minors and possessing child pornography has died after a suspected heart attack. Former archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, 67, was found dead “during the first hours of the morning”, the Vatican said in a statement on August 28. He was reportedly found in a room with the television Read more
For the first time, Australia’s national census form is to have the “no religion” box at the top of the options for religious affiliation. In the previous census in 2011, “Catholic” was the top option, with “no religion” at the bottom of the list, below a large “other please specify” box. The change came after Read more
Pope Francis sat in the pews for a Mass at the tomb of St Pius X in St Peter’s Basilica on August 21, the saint’s feast day. The Pope had already celebrated Mass in his residence very early that morning and had gone to the tomb of his predecessor to pray for catechists. When the Read more
More than 500,000 people have signed a petition asking Pope Francis to reinforce traditional Church teaching on marriage and the family. The petition, launched by TFP Student Action, asks the Pope to take this action at the synod on the family in October. Backed by 25 pro-family groups around the world, the petition is titled Read more
A Bolivian bishop has reportedly banned Communion being received in the hand at Masses in his diocese. The Rorate Caeli blog reported that Bishop Krzysztof (Cristobal) Białasik of Oruro made this declaration. This came after it was noticed that some people received the host, but did not consume it. These people apparently wished to carry Read more
A Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been charged in Hawaii with driving under the influence. Cardinal William Levada, 79, was stopped at about midnight on August 20 on the state’s Big Island. A police spokeswoman said the cardinal was pulled over after a Kona patrol officer saw him Read more
A liturgical commission in a Philippines diocese has tried to discourage people clapping during and after Mass in recognition of individual achievements. The liturgy commission of Parañaque diocese recently put out a circular to discourage the practice. The circular noted that there is no place in the liturgy for a gesture that glorifies people rather Read more