Pope Benedict XVI called for unity and reconciliation in the Middle East during his visit to Lebanon over the weekend. “May God grant to your country, to Syria and to the Middle East, the gift of peaceful hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence,” the pope said in a prayer at Read more
On the eve of his visit to Lebanaon, many Shiite and Sunni clerics are putting out the welcome mat to Pope Benedict. The clerics are hoping Benedict’s visit will strengthen coexistence and help allay Christian fears over their fate in a region in tumult. Noting that Muslims and Christians alike have concerns about the rapid Read more
An Italian company “Reputation Manager” has published a study claiming to show that Pope Benedict is having difficulty on the Web getting his message across. The study, published on “Expansion”, shows that unlike the Dalai Lama, almost half of the Holy Father’s online content has a ‘negative tone’ and a ‘prejudicial impact’. The research was Read more
On Monday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti met Benedict XVI at the pope’s retreat in Castel Gandolfo, signifying the end of the summer doldrums. A brief Vatican statement said the exchange focused on the “European situation,” understood to mean the Eurozone’s massive debt crisis, high unemployment and generally dismal economic outlook. It was the fifth Read more
Pope Benedict XVI delivered an address from the Vatican on Sunday in which he suggested that those who disagree with Catholic teachings or do not believe in Jesus Christ should leave the church rather than become betrayers like Judas. “Judas,” Pope Benedict said, “could have left, as many of the disciples did; indeed, he would Read more
Pope Benedict has called for lay people to be seen as truly co-responsible for “the being and acting” of the Church, not just as collaborators with the clergy. “Co-responsibility,” he said, “requires a change in mentality, particularly with regard to the role of the laity in the Church.” “It is important, therefore,” he added, “that Read more
Only the truth behind the Vatileaks scandal can free the Catholic Church. It has all the makings of a Hollywood adaptation of a Dan Brown novel. Secrets of the Vatican exposed, documents stolen from the Pope’s desk, rows and rivalries between cardinals, vast sums of money, the involvement of the cultish organisation Opus Dei. And Read more
Pope Benedict has completed the third volume of his Jesus of Nazareth trilogy and may follow it with a new encyclical for the Year of Faith. Since the Pope has already written encyclicals on hope and charity, there has long been speculation that he would address the third theological virtue with an encyclical on faith. Read more
The Pope wants to change the translation of the phrase pronounced during the consecration of the bread and wine at the liturgy back to the original expression “for many”. Two experts have proposed another solution. The words of consecration pronounced by Jesus at the Last Supper to turn the bread and wine into the body Read more
Despite the conflict raging across the border in Syria, which has also raised tensions within Lebanon, excitement is building as Beirut prepares to welcome Pope Benedict in September. The Pope will visit the Lebanese capital from September 14 to 16 to set out his vision for the future of the Eastern Catholic churches of the Read more