German bishops have postponed a crucial vote on establishing a Synodal Council following a request from the Vatican. The council was intended to be a mixed body of laity and bishops governing the Church in Germany. It was scheduled for discussion during a February 19–22 plenary assembly in Augsburg. Matthias Kopp, spokesperson for the German Read more
The Synod on Synodality didn’t offer “a single idea of how to meaningfully include women” says Ireland’s former president, Professor Mary McAleese. There was just a tentative suggestion that the two unpublished papal-commissioned reports on women and the diaconate be made available for the 2024 Synod, she says. Balance of power Referring to October’s synod Read more
A dividing line has emerged at the Synod between those who believe this Synod, with its different process and the inclusion of lay delegates, marks a positive development and those who think it is a serious mistake. The Synod’s sceptics, who are not numerous but have been vocal, are questioning the status of the assembly: Read more
A prominent theologian has said the pope has the power to change the catechism’s language regarding homosexuality. However, Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who was involved in drafting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, has reinforced Church teaching on LGBTQ+ issues. Speaking at a press briefing during the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, Schönborn stated that Read more
Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has criticised the Vatican for trying to stop priests from blessing same-sex unions. The Archbishop of Vienna has joined more than a dozen German-speaking bishops who have voiced displeasure with the Vatican’s recent effort to reinforce a ban on blessing gay couples. He said the responsum and explanation produced by the Read more
The Vatican Supreme Court has acquitted an Austrian priest accused of making sexual advances during confession. Father Hermann Geissler who formerly worked at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith resigned from his post in January after allegations against him went public. He has always maintained his innocence. The day he resigned, the congregation Read more
The possibility of the Church ordaining women as deacons remains an open question, according to Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. Reflecting that he recently had ordained 14 men to the permanent diaconate, the Cardinal of Vienna said “perhaps one day also female deacons.” There had been female deacons in the Church in the past, he says. Read more
Male-only priesthood should be held as an unchanging and “definitive” part of the Catholic faith says the head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal-designate Luis Ladaria. He says maleness is “an indispensable element” of the priesthood and the Church is “bound” by Christ’s decision only to choose male apostles. Ladaria’s opinion reflects Read more
The Church is doing whatever it can to strengthen all family types, including those often considered non-traditional, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn said during a recent visit to Ireland. Speaking last week at the “Let’s Talk Family: Let’s Be Family” conference in Ireland, Schönborn endorsed family life. “[Family is]the survival network of the future” and “will remain Read more
Women deacons could be permitted says top theologian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn. Although Shonborn says there is a chance for this to happen, he cautions waiting until the group Pope Francis commissioned last year to study the mater of female deacons. Shonborn says there is a precedent for women undertaking deacons’ roles in the Church. He Read more