The Archbishop of Paris has urged parishes in his diocese to form “synodal teams” to continue discussions launched by Pope Francis at the family synod. Cardinal André Vingt-Trois wants these groups to report back to him by Pentecost. He explained that the teams should have six to 12 members, chosen by priests with their parish Read more
A plan by the French state to charge admission fees for tourists at famous churches has been denounced. The culture ministry and national heritage officials discussed the proposal without telling the Church. The rector-archpriest of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris said having a fee would make free access by believers almost impossible. Msgr Partick Jacquin Read more
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — a religious, cultural and historical landmark on an island in the River Seine — is being spruced up to celebrate its 850th anniversary. The graceful and inspiring Catholic church that has dominated Paris since the 12th century, survived the Hundred Years War, the French Revolution and two world wars Read more
One of Paris’s most prestigious theatres was being protected by riot police and guard-dog patrols on Thursday after it became the latest target in a wave of Catholic protests across France against so-called blasphemous plays.
The head of the Theatre du Rond-Point on the Champs-Elysees complained of death threats in the runup to Thursday’s premiere of the play Golgota Picnic by the Madrid-based, Argentinian writer Rodrigo Garcia. Two men reported to have links to fundamentalist Catholic groups were arrested at the weekend while attempting to disable the theatre’s security system.
Several Catholic groups have called for peaceful demonstrations, prayer-vigils and the laying down of white flowers outside the building every night the play is shown, while the Archbishop of Paris will lead protest prayers against the play at Notre Dame Cathedral.
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