A recent study commissioned by a Brazilian bishop highlights a concerning trend in the Catholic digital sphere: the rise of far-right online influencers challenging traditional church hierarchy. Conducted by five researchers under Auxiliary Bishop Joaquim Mol Guimarães of Belo Horizonte, the study suggests a growing dominance of voices conflicting with bishops and official structures within Read more
A mafia hitman is being blamed for making a poison chalice for an outspoken priest. He is said to have mixed bleach with communion wine. Father Felice Palamara (pictured) – who is known for bravely denouncing organised crime in his small town – narrowly missed drinking the lethal mixture when celebrating Mass last Saturday. Fortunately, Read more
A Catholic archdiocese’s Lenten prayer campaign has succeeded so far in attracting over 1.5 million people. Launched on Facebook and other social media on Ash Wednesday, the Archdiocese of Southwark has been uploading videos of Catholic prayers each day during Lent. The Lenten prayer campaign aims to encourage people to connect with Jesus Christ through Read more
Pope Francis took a risk in inviting an Anglican woman bishop Bishop Jo Bailey Wells to address him and his advisory Council of Cardinals, Wells says. Nonetheless, she hopes the Catholic Church will continue to explore the topic of women’s leadership with “courage”. “I’m aware … that to many such an opportunity feels rare, if Read more
Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a Catholic church in the village of Essakane, located along the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. According to Burkina Faso’s Bishop of Dori Diocese, Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré, militants attacked the few remaining faithful in the area. Jihadist groups are known to hide in the area, Read more
Life as a parish priest is a “Eucharistic adventure” that involves serving God’s people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis told transitional deacons. It is about living “This is my body, given for you” each day, he wrote, and it requires “a constant attitude, made up of acceptance, compassion, tenderness, a style Read more
The Niwano Foundation awarded the 41st edition of its much-coveted Peace Prize to Prof Mohammed Abu-Nimer, a Palestinian-American who has distinguished himself for his “holistic contribution to the cause of peace.” A scholar and an active and committed person, he spent a life working for peace and interfaith dialogue, with involvement and dedication to his Read more
The announcement that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Archbishop Andrzej Dziega of Szczecin-Kamien with no explanation caused a bittersweet reaction in Poland, once viewed as the testing ground for the 2019 Vatican document on bishops’ accountability. Dziega was known for ignoring the victims of sexual abuse for years in his archdiocese. Still, in Read more
Monsignor Tomáš Halík, a prominent Czech theologian, has emphasised the importance of taking seriously those who report having no religious affiliation (‘nones’) and spiritual seekers. Halik recently visited Sydney and addressed various Catholic audiences, including educators, parish leaders and youth. He stressed that ‘nones’ and spiritual seekers are a growing demographic in Australia and other Read more
Modern-day missionaries are being urged to embrace the internet as a crucial mission frontier for engaging with the modern world. People aren’t flocking to churches, but they are on their devices. And that’s where the message needs to be delivered, José Manuel De Urquidi told NCR Vatican correspondent Christopher White. Urquidi is the founder of Read more