This move follows high-profile cases where spirituality was misused to justify abusive behaviour. With Pope Francis's approval, a working group has been established to study the issue and propose concrete legal changes.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), in collaboration with the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, announced on 22 November the formation of this group. Archbishop Filippo Iannone, head of the legislative dicastery, will lead the initiative.

The goal is to create a clear legal framework to address spiritual abuse. This has often been considered an aggravating factor in other crimes rather than a crime in its own right.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the DDF, highlighted the need to refine terminology, particularly the term "false mysticism". The cardinal described it as overly broad and ambiguous. He noted its current use in cases involving alleged supernatural phenomena, such as apparitions or visions. The term has also been linked to allegations of clerical abuse.

Particular moral gravity

The DDF's 2024 Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena already label the misuse of mystical experiences to manipulate or abuse as a matter of "particular moral gravity".

However, the new working group will seek to formally categorise spiritual abuse as a distinct delict in canon law.

Recent scandals have drawn attention to the misuse of spirituality for abusive purposes. Former Jesuit Marko Rupnik, for example, faced allegations that he used spiritual justifications to exploit individuals while creating religious art. Similarly, accusations against Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche, and leaders of other Catholic movements have involved claims of mixing spiritual authority with coercive behaviour.

Cardinal Fernández has emphasised the Church's increased vigilance in addressing such issues. "Today, we are more vigilant than before when it comes to the possibility of mystical or spiritual elements being used to exploit or even abuse people" he stated.

Sources

UCA News

Catholic News Agency

English Katholisch

CathNews New Zealand

"Faced with the questions of today's women and men, the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelisation and the many wounds that afflict humanity, we cannot sit still" the pope stated.

Francis highlighted the importance of inclusivity. He urged the Church to be open and attentive to the marginalised rather than focusing inward.

The Synod, which lasted several weeks, brought clergy and lay participants from around the world together to discuss pressing matters such as social justice, youth engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Synod's decision-making process marked a significant shift, with Pope Francis authorising unprecedented collaboration in drafting the final document.

Small sensation

For the first time, bishops, clergy and lay members jointly crafted the Synod's outcomes. This was hailed as a "small sensation" by Irme Stetter-Karp, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics.

Stetter-Karp saw the shift as an essential move towards a collaborative and inclusive Church that reflects the needs and perspectives of all its members.

"However, it is still clear to see that this World Synod was also a synod of bishops" emphasised Stetter-Karp. "It did not go so far as to derive a consistent equality of the sexes from the inalienable dignity of every human being."

Women's leadership

Meanwhile, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, urged the Synod of Bishops to act swiftly in recognising and empowering women's leadership and ministry in the Church.

"I am convinced that we cannot wait to take steps forward for the empowerment of women in the Church" he said to some 100 synod members on 24 October. He explained that this involves clarifying which roles require ordination and which do not. This was a key focus for the current study group.

Pope Francis concluded with a message of unity. "Let us confidently continue our journey together. Let us take off the cloak of despondency, let us entrust our blindness to the Lord, let us stand up and carry the joy of the Gospel through the streets of the world."

Sources

English Katholisch

English Katholisch

America Magazine

The move comes amid growing debate within the Synod on Synodality. Members are pushing for further discussion and clarity on the controversial issue.

At the heart of the discussion is whether women should be allowed to serve as deacons. This role has traditionally been limited to men.

While the Vatican has resisted making a definitive decision, the ongoing consultations signal a willingness to consider a broader range of perspectives.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández (pictured), prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith which is in charge of the study group, announced that the dicastery would consult other women and receive input from participants in the Synod of Bishops.

Cardinal Fernández stated that input from theologians, synod participants and non-appointed women would be welcomed. This is a shift from the more limited consultation phase that relied heavily on appointed experts.

Time not ripe for a decision

The discussions on women's ministry are not limited to theological arguments but focus also on practical implications for the Church's operations.

Deacon Geert De Cubber, the only permanent deacon at the Synod, highlighted the importance of involving deacons in these discussions. "Inevitably, you have to consult deacons on the diaconate but also you have to involve their wives, you have to involve their kids," he said.

De Cubber pointed out that deacons play a significant role in parish life, a reality that needs further attention.

However, the question of ordaining women as deacons remains contentious. In his earlier remarks, Cardinal Fernández suggested that a positive decision on this issue is currently impossible. Pope Francis also does not believe that the time is yet ripe for a decision on the diaconate for women.

Despite this, the discussions will continue. Cardinal Fernández's dicastery oversees the study of women's ministry and has not ruled out the possibility of future changes.

Sources

UCA News

Katholisch

CathNews New Zealand

CNA reports that Pope Francis has appointed Fr Maurizio Chiodi to the DDF. Chiodi is known for his view that the use of contraception within marriage is acceptable and that same-sex relationships could be morally permissible in some circumstances.

Chiodi's views raise eyebrows

Chiodi, a professor at the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for Marriage and the Family Sciences, has raised eyebrows within the Church.

In a 2017 lecture in Rome, Chiodi suggested that contraception might be morally permissible within marriage under certain circumstances.

He also stated that homosexual relationships "under certain conditions" could be "the most fruitful way" for those with same-sex attraction to "enjoy good relations".

These views have drawn media scrutiny, with some questioning how they align with traditional Catholic teaching.

Chiodi, a Pontifical Academy for Life member since 2017, has despite the backlash continued to be a significant voice in moral theology.

Cardinal Fernández leadership

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, charged with overseeing doctrinal orthodoxy within the Catholic Church, has been led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández since September 2023.

In the past year, the DDF has been the focus of internal debate following its declaration 'Fiducia Supplicans' which permits non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples.

As well, it has released a document titled 'Dignitas Infinita' which addresses modern ethical concerns such as gender theory, euthanasia and human dignity.

Cardinal Fernández has praised the new appointments, stating "The consultors bring a broad range of expertise that will enrich the Dicastery's work in addressing contemporary moral and doctrinal challenges".

New appointments include women theologians

The new consultors include experts in theology, canon law and scripture. Their appointments mark a significant step towards gender inclusivity.

Of the 28 appointees, six are women — two religious sisters and four lay theologians.

Two male lay theologians were also named, adding to the diversity of voices expected to guide the DDF.

Source

• CNA

On Thursday, the dicastery published a letter from Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Faith, to the Archbishop of Mérida-Badajoz, José Rodríguez Carballo, in which he confirms the request for the "Nihil obstat" made by the chief shepherd.

It says the church should "continue to offer the faithful who approach it a place of inner peace, consolation, and conversion."

However, following the new norms of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith from mid-May, the authority makes no statement about the authenticity of the supernatural phenomenon. Still, it recognises that there are signs of the work of the Holy Spirit.

Read More

The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's comments came after a meeting on May 22 with Coptic Pope Tawadros II.

In an interview with María Martínez López, a bioethics expert and editor of the Spanish Editor of 'Alfa & Omega', Fernadez said the meeting aimed to address concerns stemming from the declaration of Fiducia supplicans.

The Vatican's stance on same-sex unions has been a point of contention. It led to the suspension of dialogue by the Coptic Synod in March.

Although the issue was addressed at the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church in January, some US communities requested further clarification.

Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, proposed a personal meeting with Tawadros II. This was facilitated by Fernández with the approval of Pope Francis.

During the meeting, Fernández clarified that the Holy See does not endorse same-sex marriage. He noted that no Vatican document supports homosexual marriage.

Fernández stressed the importance of ecumenical dialogue which recognises and respects diverse pastoral practices and theological views. He reiterated that differences in pastoral praxis do not affect the shared Trinitarian and Christological faith as outlined in Unitatis Redintegratio.

Different theological languages

The personal meeting was deemed necessary to overcome the difficulties of different theological languages. Fernández described the atmosphere as cordial, with Tawadros II showing a sincere effort to understand the Vatican's position.

Regarding blessings for same-sex unions, Fernández clarified that the Church does not bless unions but may offer brief, individual prayers for persons in irregular unions. These blessings are not meant to ratify or approve any union, a point also emphasised by Pope Francis.

Fernández acknowledged that confusion and misunderstandings have arisen, due partly to misinterpretations by some Catholic media. He stressed that improper blessings are not widespread and that bishops generally adhere to Vatican guidelines.

The cardinal also pointed out that the Church faces more significant issues than this controversy and called for focusing on these crucial matters.

Fernández underscored that the Vatican's role is not to conduct a "witch hunt" but to provide clear guidance and support. The cardinal also stressed the need for charity and understanding in addressing these issues within the Church.

Sources

Catholic Culture

Alpha & Omega

CathNews New Zealand

However, the meeting highlighted a rare agreement between the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches on their stance against homosexual relationships.

During their meeting, Pope Tawadros II expressed his concerns directly, urging clarity and consistency in upholding traditional Christian values.

Cardinal Fernández responded by acknowledging the importance of these values. He also mentioned the need for ongoing dialogue to address and bridge any misunderstandings or disagreements that arise.

This encounter follows the Vatican's controversial clarification outlined in "Fiducia Supplicans", allowing for a non-liturgical same-sex blessing for couples. Some have interpreted this as a shift in the Church's position on homosexuality.

In response to the publication, the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church suspended theological dialogue with the Catholic Church. The Synod also adopted a fundamental statement in which it reaffirmed its rejection of homosexual acts.

This suspension underscored the seriousness with which the Coptic Church regards the matter. It views any form of blessing for same-sex unions as contradictory to Christian doctrine.

Cardinal Fernández, head of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, reassured Pope Tawadros that these blessings are not equivalent to the sacrament of marriage.

The declaration "Dignitas Infinita" also makes it abundantly clear that the Catholic Church completely rejects same-sex marriages.

Path of Love

Fernández emphasised the Catholic Church's adherence to traditional teachings on marriage as a union exclusively between a man and a woman. This position aligns with the beliefs of the Coptic Orthodox Church which has a similar doctrinal stance on homosexuality and marriage.

According to a news release issued by the Coptic Church, Tawadros told Fernández there is a path of love between the two churches. He also stressed the importance of dialogue.

Tawadros called for evaluating the results achieved by the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Dialogue Commission over its 20 years of existence. He also expressed the need for more effective methods and mechanisms for the Commission's work.

Pope Francis met with Tawadros in May 2023 to mark the 50-year anniversary of restored relations between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church. However since March, formal ecumenical dialogue remains suspended.

Sources

Katholisch

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

But one delegate, German cardinal Gerhard Müller, immediately defied the pontiff's request.

Müller, a former head of the Vatican's doctrinal office, is known as a vocal critic of Francis's synod on synodality.

During an Eternal Word Television Network's (EWTN) nightly news programme, the German cardinal presented a more positive attitude, however.

When the interviewer asked him if he was still concerned about the synod being a "hostile takeover" of the Church as he had previously commented, Müller spoke of "a certain form of optimism" and good conversation.

"... but at the end we must wait in what direction it will go and what will be the decisions behind the scenery. That is always the problem," he said.

Müller went on to criticise a fellow delegate - his successor in the Vatican's doctrinal office, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.

Müller said Fernández had erred when speaking in a recent interview about Francis's "magisterium".

"That doesn't exist," Müller said. "The pope does not have his own doctrine.

"Surely the pope has a special authority in the church according to our Catholic Church, but he is not a person who receives a new revelation."

Vatican media caution

Müller's EWTN interview came one day after the Vatican published its formal set of conduct rules (regolamento) for synod members.

These stated that delegates are bound by "confidentiality and discretion regarding both their own interventions and the interventions of other participants."

In an October 5 press briefing, the head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications said synod delegates were encouraged to "take time to discern, take time to listen to each other" rather than speaking to the press about the proceedings.

During his opening remarks on October 4, the Pope also told the 450-plus synod participants to abstain from media interviews.

Past synods have been reduced to one or two hot button issues, he said.

He noted that in anticipation of this synod he had seen press coverage focus on the possibility that the Catholic Church might ordain women as priests.

This synod's rules mark a departure from procedures used at four synods Francis has hosted in the past.

During those gatherings, participants were largely free to give interviews to members of the press.

They were also frequently invited to take part in daily press briefings the synod office had organised. This enabled delegates to give interviews from firsthand experience about their experiences of the synod process.

NCR newspaper claims "multiple sources" say Müller did not attend the September 30 - October 3 spiritual retreat for synod delegates.

Source

• NCR Online