A South Korean Catholic priest’s public blessings for same-sex couple are making the world of difference to the way couples see themselves. Father Seungbok Lee’s actions have won applause from individuals and groups supporting same-sex couples’ rights. Two sets of female same-sex couples – Yeon Yeon and Yoon Hae, and Chris and Ari – are Read more
The Catholic Church has a “crucial role to play” in speaking out against racism and promoting racial inclusion, a prominent British Catholic says. “Racism is a sin and has no place in our world. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to welcome all people, regardless of race or background, into our Church and Read more
Just a few minutes before the papal Mass was about to get underway in St Peter’s Basilica this past Sunday, there was some commotion near the large platform and white chair from which Pope Francis normally presides. But it wasn’t Francis’ entrance that created the buzz. It was the arrival of Javier Milei, the recently Read more
Keeping the Pacific nuclear-free, in line with the Rarotonga Treaty, was a recurring theme from the leaders of Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to New Zealand last week. The New Zealand government’s Pacific mission wrapped up on Saturday with the final leg in Samoa. Over the course of the trip, defence and security in the Read more
Scaffolding that shrouded the top of Notre Dame Cathedral following a devastating fire in April 2019 is being removed, marking a milestone in its reconstruction. As the shell at the summit has been taken down in recent days, it has revealed the cathedral’s new spire for the first time, adorned with a golden rooster and Read more
At least one person died, and 53 were injured when part of the second floor of a Catholic church collapsed during a packed Ash Wednesday Mass in Bulacan province in the Philippines. The accident occurred at St Peter Apostle Church in San Jose del Monte City, about 47 kilometres northeast of the capital, Manila, during Read more
In a discreet meeting held at Prague’s Mozart Hotel, 21 Catholic bishops including nine cardinals from several continents convened to discuss “Gender ideology, science and the nature of divine revelation.” The discussion, organised by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture, delved into topics surrounding gender theory’s perceived threat to Christian values Read more
A Chilean nun who chose to stay with inmates during the pandemic has been honoured with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for her dedication to prisoner dignity. Sister Nelly León, a nun with 25 years experience working with incarcerated women, emphasises the importance of upholding the dignity of prisoners. Sister Nelly hopes this recognition Read more
Pope Francis cautioned a gathering of priests about the scourge of clerical abuse, asserting that it stems from a sense of superiority among priests. “We can live our priestly ministry well only immersed in the priestly people from whom we come” advised the pope. “This belonging to the people — do not ever let us Read more
Liturgical reform is crucial in the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis said this to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Thursday. After what has been labelled as a significant address, discussion took place against the backdrop of the dicastery’s annual plenary assembly. The assembly focused Read more