Nuclear weapons already pose a deeply concerning “existential threat” to the world says the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero. He told the UN committee on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons that the threat is especially dangerous today. He highlighted the global increase in rhetoric and threats about nuclear weapons’ use, Read more
Schism is an entrenched idea within Church History. The conclusion – that some members of the Church have stepped so far beyond the bounds of orthodoxy and propriety that the rest can no longer consider themselves in communion with them – goes back to Antiquity. Schisms of old could be vicious and violent affairs. Just Read more
From one synod session to another, where do we stand? “The Holy People of God has been set in motion for mission thanks to the synodal experience,” declared Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., General Rapporteur of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Invited to exchange ideas using the method of spiritual conversations, Read more
Vatican-Vietnam relations are vastly improved because of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s efforts, says Pope Francis. After learning of the General Secretary’s passing on 22 July, Francis sent condolences to Vietnam’s president and spoke of Trong’s major contribution to the diplomatic process. The Pope’s message expressed his gratitude for Trong’s fostering, promoting and Read more
Recently, United States cultural celebrities addressed an open letter to Pope Francis, opposing further restrictions on the pre-conciliar liturgy. The letter, written by poet Dana Gioia, emphasised the aesthetic value and cultural significance of the liturgy according to the 1962 rite: “It would be short-sighted to deprive the next generation of artists of this source Read more
The U.S. bishops hope to revive the significance of the Eucharist in the life of the Catholic Church. There is a deep concern that many of the faithful lack a proper understanding of the sacrament. Some recent polls point out this lack of understanding. For example, a 2019 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center Read more
This week the Church celebrates the feast of Mary Magdalene, at a time when Catholicism finds itself in a definitive moment concerning the roles of women. Women’s leadership in the Church In May, the first-ever deaconess was ordained in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Less than two weeks ago, the Vatican held a press conference announcing Read more
Recently rumors have been flying that Pope Francis is preparing to impose stringent restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass. Of course, unfounded rumors out of the Vatican are not new, and some journalists have not been able to identify anybody who has actually seen the document in question. Still, even if it ends up being Read more
The women’s diaconate is a discussion that won’t go away. Pope Francis consistently says “no” when asked if women can be deacons or join the Catholic clergy. But Francis supports discussion about the women’s diaconate. This October’s synod working document affirms “theological reflection should continue”. Since last December the Pope and his Council of Cardinal Read more
Bishop Michael Gielen’s decision to remove the faculties of the clerical members of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer and to ask them to leave the diocese is a courageous act. The scandal-plagued group came to prominence through their illicit use of the rites of exorcism and have been investigated by both the local Read more