Pope Francis has encountered criticism throughout his visit to Belgium, with the country’s king and prime minister urging him to take stronger steps to support survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy. Additionally, a rector at another Catholic university called on him to reconsider the Church’s prohibition on ordaining women as priests. The visit underscored the Read more
In a candid discussion with reporters on September 23, Pope Francis warned against what he termed bad compassion. Francis defined bad compassion as the law not to let the child grow in the mother’s womb or the law of euthanasia in disease and old age.” Clarifying, he added “I am not saying it is a Read more
A 56-year old Belgian mother who murdered her five children has been euthanised at her own request. It is 16 years since Genevieve Lhermitte (pictured left and far right) killed her son and four daughters, aged three to 14 on 28 February 2007, while their father was away. She then tried to commit suicide. After Read more
The Vatican has deemed incompetent Br René Stockman, (68), the Superior General of the Brothers of Charity in Rome and has removed him from all his administrative functions. Stockman is accused of not managing the Religious Congregation properly, of a lack of financial transparency and long-term vision. While Stockman remains Superior General of the Brothers Read more
After-birth abortion or infanticide for babies with a disability is supported by more than 9 in 10 Belgian physicians surveyed, a shocking new research paper into abortion attitudes has revealed. A poll of healthcare professionals in Flanders, Belgium found 93.6% of physicians surveyed “agree that in the event of a serious (non-lethal) neonatal condition, administering Read more
There has been a significant rise in adult baptisms in Belgium. This year 305 adults will be baptized – 61 more than in 2019. The number of adult baptisms in Belgium has been growing for several years. There were 143 in 2010, 180 in 2015, 244 last year and over 300 this year. Although the Read more
As children are put to death, Belgium’s experience shows the ‘slippery slope’ is real. One striking thing about modern Western societies is how quickly bioethical practices that would once have been shocking quickly become unremarkable. It happened with abortion, it happened with embryo selection, and now it is happening with euthanasia. Last week it emerged Read more
A Belgian cardinal is considering a celebration of thanksgiving or prayer for gay couples in stable, lasting relationships. After a meeting with delegates from a local gay working group last week, Cardinal Jozef De Kesel said he was concerned for their well-being and spoke of his respect for them. He also spoke of gay couples’ Read more
The board administering Belgian hospitals sponsored by the Brothers of Charity has been summoned to Rome. The board – made up mainly of lay members – recently decided to allow euthanasia in the Catholic hospitals it oversees. After appeals from the religious order, board members have been asked to explain their decision to Church authorities Read more
The Belgian Brothers of Charity are saying they may withdraw their sponsorship of 15 Belgian hospitals after the hospital board voted to ignore a Vatican demand not to perform euthanasia at their facilities. The head of the order, Brother René Stockman, says the Brothers would remain faithful to the Church’s teaching, despite serious civil pressure Read more