Pope Francis’s approach to ecumenism is setting him apart from his predecessors, says the head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Cardinal Kurt Koch told a German Catholic website that Francis lays more emphasis than Benedict XVI did on strengthening ecumenical relationships through joint prayer, activities and encounters. The reason for this is Read more
A Bolivian bishop has reportedly banned Communion being received in the hand at Masses in his diocese. The Rorate Caeli blog reported that Bishop Krzysztof (Cristobal) Białasik of Oruro made this declaration. This came after it was noticed that some people received the host, but did not consume it. These people apparently wished to carry Read more
A Japanese author, in a book about Benedict XVI, has described the Catholic Church as an “East” in a West determined to impose its values on other cultures. Hajime Konno, in his book “Benedictus PP XVI, Renovatio Europae Renovatio”, draws attention to the Western presumption that wants to impose its values on the entire world. Read more
Pope Francis is likely to have a new personal physician, but his soon-to-be former doctor will continue to work with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Dr Patrizio Polisca is to leave his post as director of Vatican Health Services and as such will no longer be Francis’s personal physician. But he will continue to be private Read more
The Vatican’s media spokesman has contrasted the styles of Pope Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI. In a feature story published in National Geographic, Fr Federico Lombardi, SJ, was asked how he felt about Francis. Fr Lombardi reportedly smiled and responded with one word: “Confused.” The Jesuit said Benedict would emerge from a meeting with Read more
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini played a decisive role in the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI in order to prevent the election of a “curial candidate”. This is among the recollections of Jesuit Fr Silvio Fausti who was the late Cardinal Martini’s confessor and spiritual guide. Fr Fausti died on June 24, but his views Read more
A decision by an American museum to display a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI fashioned from 17,000 coloured condoms has sparked outrage. The artwork titled “Eggs Benedict” was created by Niki Johnson to spark a discussion about sexual health. She said it was inspired by comments made by Benedict during a 2009 visit to Read more
A German bishop says the Church should revoke the revised Good Friday prayer for the Jews introduced when use of the 1962 Missal was widened. Bishop Heinrich Mussinghoff of Aachen said he could not “understand or implement” the revised version. Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 motu proprio Summorum Pontificam allowed for wider use of the 1962 Read more
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is expected to spend two weeks at the papal summer residence Castel Gandolfo during the Italian summer. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said Pope Francis invited Benedict to spend some time at Castel Gandolfo and Benedict accepted. The dates for Benedict’s visit have not been set. But he is scheduled to Read more
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has inadvertently accepted a book that labels Pope Francis as the vicar of the anti-Christ. The book was full of messages by the self-styled Italian “seer” Franca Miscio, who is better known as “Conchiglia”. According to Vatican Insider, Conchiglia claims to receive messages from God, Jesus and Mary. Her “prophecies” describe Read more