The Colosseum, the 2000-year-old symbol of ancient Rome, is usually thought to have been clad in shimmering white marble. But restorers have found traces of “a riot of colour”. “They’ve uncovered complex decorations, floral patterns in polychrome glory including azure, ochre, pink and green,” said the superintendent of the monument, Rossella Rea. “We’ve known since Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Rome’
Q&A on the synod for new evangelization
Friday, October 12th, 2012
The 25th Synod of Bishops began Sunday, this one dedicated to “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.” New evangelization is the apple of Pope Benedict XVI’s eye, so the synod, held every couple of years or so since 1967, is being touted by the Vatican, along with the Year of Faith Read more
Catholic Church wealth and other items
Friday, August 24th, 2012
Most people believe the real power in Catholicism resides with the hierarchy, and in terms of both theology and church law, that’s basically right. For instance, canon law says the pope wields “supreme, full, immediate and universal” authority, and it’s tough to get more sweeping than that. One wonders, however, if an accountant would reach Read more
Young respond in numbers to support Pro-Life march
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Nearly 7,000 pro-life advocates marched from Rome’s Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for the city’s inaugural March for Life. “We’ve never seen anything like this in Rome,” march co-organizer Juan Miguel Montes said of the event. American cardinal Raymond L. Burke led a group of priests in the march. He said it brought back Read more
Italy’s Catholic Church open to paying property tax
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Italy’s Catholic Church has shifted its view and is showing a willingness to revisit its tax-exempt status on property. Criticism of the Church has grown following Premier Mario Monti’s proposal to restore a property tax on first and second homes as part of sweeping austerity measures. Ordinary Italians are being asked to make sacrifices and Read more
Bishop Campbell risks Rome’s displeasure
Friday, October 21st, 2011
Dunedin’s Bishop Campbell could be in line for a “rap over the knuckles” from the Pope for criticising the new translation of the prayers, responses and music used at Mass, a Dunedin academic says. Bishop Campbell has made a public criticism of changes endorsed Pope Benedict. University of Otago Associate Prof Greg Dawes, an authority Read more