Tensions have erupted within Pope Francis’ Vatican Synod on the future of the Catholic Church with reports of disagreements and delegates storming out of the room. The roughly 450 bishops and lay delegates involved in the October 4-29 Synod of Bishops have faced a series of disagreements. Principally, the participation of the laity and questions Read more
An umbrella group of Catholic nuns says that, while men dominate the Catholic Church, it is making progress. Women are being given a stronger voice says the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). The Vatican patriarchy is giving way somewhat. Pope Francis has appointed a few women in senior Vatican managerial positions. He also gave Read more
The lay faithful are important Pope Francis told synod on synodality members last Wednesday. He emphasised they should respect and honour the faith of all baptised Catholics. This includes the women who trust “the holy, faithful people of God” and remain faithful even when their pastors act like dictators. “I like to think of the Read more
The much anticipated “synthesis report” from October’s synod on synodality was released after the confidential Vatican-based meetings concluded on Sunday. The synthesis report summarises synodal discussions about how a synodal Church’s ministries and structures can give a wider role for laity which is more in line with the vision of Vatican II. Big issues discussed Read more
The number of legal abortions provided by virtual-only clinics via abortion pill prescriptions spiked 72% in the year following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v Wade. This is according to a report by #WeCount, a research project by the Society of Family Planning, a group that supports legal abortion. The study is notable because Read more
It was neither the place nor the time for a proper goodbye, said Omar Dirawi. Not here, in this dusty field strewn with dead people wrapped in blankets and zipped up in body bags. And not now, as Israeli airstrikes crashed around him for the third week, erasing more of his neighbourhood and sundering hundreds Read more
Catholic officials have welcomed the southern Indian Karnataka state relaxing a ban on traditional hijab (head scarf) by allowing Muslim women to wear it while appearing for government recruitment exams. “There was no need for any such ban, and we are happy that the present government has taken steps to relax it,” said Father Faustine Read more
More than 200,000 children are estimated to have suffered sexual abuse from Spain’s Catholic clergy, an independent commission has found. The details emerged from an unprecedented public investigation by Spain’s ombudsman, who spoke of the “devastating impact” on victims. Angel Gabilondo also criticised the Church for its inaction and attempts to cover up or deny Read more
The latest Church statistics reveal significant shifts in the Catholic Church’s demographics, notably a decline in bishops and priests while the number of permanent deacons has grown. Also significant for New Zealand is the number of seminarians in Asia is declining. Partial vocations relief in the form of female deacons is “on the table” at Read more
Irish President Michael D Higgins believes Pope Francis faces a significant challenge in reforming the Catholic Church to be more inclusive, particularly towards women and the LGBTQ+ community. President Higgins (pictured with Pope Francis) expressed these sentiments after a private audience with the pontiff in the Vatican’s library. “He faces grave difficulties in the institution Read more