The Archbishop Emeritus of Glasgow, Mario Conti, said Cardinal Keith O’Brien blocked an independent investigation into clerical sex abuse files held by Scottish dioceses. Cardinal O’Brien, who resigned as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh in February after unidentified priests alleged he acted inappropriately toward them, objected to a church review of abuse allegations commissioned Read more
A Catholic weekly newspaper in Malaysia lost its latest legal battle over the right to use the word ‘Allah’ for God in its local language edition. A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal ruled that the government’s efforts to ban the use of the word in Christian publications will continue. The case dates back Read more
Islamists in Egypt burned down a Christian school, paraded three nuns on the streets like “prisoners of war,” and sexually abused two women last week as supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi attacked at least 58 churches, Christian institutions, homes and shops. The Islamists called for the reinstatement of Morsi, who is from the Muslim Read more
Pope Francis on Sunday called for a solution to the civil war in Syria as he admitted being disturbed by “terrible images” of atrocities in the country. The pope told people gathered in St. Peter’s Square that Syrian and rebel forces must put down their arms. He urged the international community to “put all its Read more
Authorities restored order in Myanmar’s northern Sagaing region on Sunday after a Buddhist mob set fire to nearly two dozen Muslim-owned buildings and attacked rescue workers in the latest widening of sectarian violence in the former military-run state. Reuters news agency reported that about 1,000 Buddhists, some carrying sticks and swords, attacked Muslim villagers in Read more
Pope Benedict said his resignation in February was prompted by God, who told him to do it during a “mystical experience”. Breaking his silence for the first time since he became the first pope to step down in 600 years, the 86-year-old pontiff reportedly said: “God told me to” when asked what had pushed him Read more
The Catholic Church has become increasingly troubled by the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East, a Catholic news editor said. Father James Mulford, publisher of Zenit News Agency, told NewsMax that the violence in the Middle East has become “a major concern” for the Church. “It’s a major concern and Pope Francis and Read more
The Vatican this week said Pope Francis will host a meeting of cardinals on September 30 to formally approve the canonization of Blesseds John Paul II and John XXIII. Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, said the date for the canonization will be announced after the meeting. He said only Pope Read more
Catholic bishops and priests from major dioceses across the United States plan to send a coordinated message next month backing changes in immigration policy. News reports said some Church leaders are planning to use Sunday Masses on Sept. 8 to urge congressional passage of a legislative overhaul that includes a path to citizenship for unauthorized Read more
An international relief agency plans to airlift some 3,400 Christians out of Sudan, where they face increasing persecution from the Islamist government. Reports said many Christian women and children in Northern Sudan are separated from their families and endure increased persecution from an increasing Mulslim population. The Barnabas Fund, an international aid agency, said it Read more