Pope Francis has issued a new law specifying that a bishop’s negligence with regard to clergy sexual abuse can lead to removal from office. In a motu proprio released on Saurday, the Pope empowered several Vatican dicasteries to investigate such bishops and initiate processes of removal, subject to papal approval. In a preamble to the Read more
Serious concerns have been expressed about well-being of priests in Ireland, in the light of what is being called “huge mental and physical pressure”. The concerns were aired at a meeting between several Irish bishops and representatives of the Association of Catholic Priests, the Irish Times reported. The ACP said it was “becoming more and Read more
In a new papal ruling, bishops who don’t consult the Vatican before approving would-be religious orders in their dioceses risk having that approval stopped. Before the latest ruling, bishops were required to consult with the Vatican about such matters, but there were no consequences if they didn’t. The new ruling, issued in the form of Read more
Nearly one hundred prominent Catholics have expressed concerns about a proposed Polish law that would make abortion illegal under almost all circumstances. A letter was sent to Poland’s bishops expressing concerns about their advocacy in favour of the law. The signatories from Europe and the United States included theologians, historians and lay people. Continue reading
A member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has detailed two instances where she believes the Roman Curia has frustrated reform. Marie Collins, an abuse survivor, referred to commission’s proposal that a Vatican tribunal be set up hold bishops to account for their handling of abuse cases. This was approved by the Read more
It is no longer “exceptional” that some priests turn down an appointment as bishop, says the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. Cardinal Marc Ouellet told the Catholic News Service that this does happen nowadays, but the number of priests who do so is not high. Priests decline an appointment as bishop, which is offered Read more
The Vatican’s finance chief has told new bishops that they must not sell land. Cardinal George Pell addressed recently ordained bishops in Rome last September. The Tablet reported that the text of what he said has been released in a book of all the talks given to the bishops. The Prefect of the Holy See’s Read more
The bishops of England and Wales have appealed to Rome to change the Good Friday prayer for Jews as it is said in the extraordinary form liturgy. The prayer reads: “Let us also pray for the Jews: that our God and Lord may illuminate their hearts, that they acknowledge Jesus Christ is the Saviour of Read more
The parish of San Isidro Church, in Sinapalo on the Island of Rota in the Northern Marianas, is reported to be in uproar after learning that their 97 year old parish priest Monsignor Luis Antonelli will be relieved of most pastoral and administrative duties by Nov. 29. Antonelli has served the people of Rota for over 42 Read more
Bishops at the synod on the family last week grappled with the issue of access to the sacraments for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics. In 93 interventions at the synod on Wednesday and Thursday, widely different views were expressed. A key issue is whether there could be any possibility for divorced and remarried people to Read more