German Synodal Way approves same-sex blessings, lay preaching, and reexamination of priestly celibacy
Lay preaching, priestly celibacy, and women’s ordination Earlier on Friday, the synodal assembly approved moving forward with officially endorsing lay preaching and lay-led baptism and marriage assistance, though language calling…
‘I regret to inform you’: Pope Francis rebuffs Cardinal Becciu in letters read during ongoing finance trial
Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi obtained the three letters directly from the “sovereign authority,” that is, Pope Francis himself. In one letter, dated July 20, 2021, Becciu asked the pope…
‘Cannabis Studies’ program at St. Joseph’s University a ‘scandal,’ theologian says
“The cannabis landscape is complex, ever-changing, and unique. This certificate will provide you with a clear understanding of the cannabis industry, how it got there, and where it’s going,” it…
Pope Francis discusses revising priestly celibacy in new interview
In response to the interviewer’s inquiry if the pope thought that making celibacy optional would lead more people to join the priesthood, Pope Francis said: “I do not think so,”…
United Nations equates Sandinista Nicaragua with Nazism
Ortega and wife Murillo acted “in a joint and coordinated manner” during protests between April and September 2018,” Simon said, adding: “They have been weaponizing the justice system, weaponizing the…
Wyoming advances a new abortion ban to replace blocked ‘trigger law’
The legislation bans abortion throughout pregnancy but carves out specific exceptions to allow doctors to perform abortions to preserve the life or health of the mother, in cases of rape…
St. Peter's Basilica to hold monthly Eucharistic adoration on portico
St. Peter’s Basilica is typically open every day from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the winter or 7 p.m. in the summer. The Eucharist is also exposed in St.…
Pope Francis underlines ‘universal value’ of Jerusalem in speech to Palestinians
Jerusalem, which is situated on a plateau between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea in Israel, is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is a source of division…
Seal of Confession under attack? Delaware, Vermont bills draw Catholic criticism
“There is no question that protecting children is essential and criminals must be held accountable for their crimes. But disregarding fundamental religious rights is unnecessary,” he said. The exemption to…
‘The figure of a father’: Cardinal Ouellet on 10 years with Pope Francis
The Quebecois cardinal said his dicastery mostly has been choosing “pastoral bishops,” but depending on the needs of the local Church, they also look for men with “good canonical preparation,…
Polish bishops: New allegation that JPII covered up sex abuse based on reports from communist secret police
The two reporters countered the claim that Wojtyla covered up the sexual abuse by Surgent, noting that the priest was from the Diocese of Lubaczów rather than the Archdiocese of…
‘My parishioners shot dead in cold blood’: Priests, lay faithful describe attacks in Nigeria
“Kidnappings are a hallmark of terrorist organizations in Nigeria … and clergy are increasingly being targeted,” the new ACN report said. With over 30 million faithful, Catholics make up a…