After a diplomatic rift caused by one of Pope Francis’s off-the-cuff remarks about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Vatican on Tuesday released a statement saying that he unambiguously condemns the “large-scale war in Ukraine initiated by the Russian Federation.”
Author: Christine
Misunderstanding of Pregnancy Centers’ Mission Seen as a Reason for Attacks
Angela Franey, executive director of Abria Pregnancy Resources, said recent vandalism at the organization’s St. Paul location and dozens of similar attacks on pregnancy centers around the country reflect recent anger and misunderstanding around the issue of abortion.
New Cardinals Feel Honored, Humbled, Ready to Promote Renewal of Church
Becoming a member of the broad, unique body of the College of Cardinals is both a great honor and an invitation to help promote a renewal of the Catholic Church’s mission of evangelization, some new cardinals said.
Pope Defies Resignation Rumors, Offers Quake Victims a Message of Mercy
To the delight of many, and perhaps the consternation of a few, the wheelchair-bound Pope Francis defied persistent rumors Sunday by not announcing his resignation during a visit to the tomb of the last pontiff to voluntarily step down before Pope Benedict XVI, instead offering locals a message of mercy and consolation amid suffering.
Analysis: In Consistory’s Wake, Debunking Three Persistent Myths About Cardinals
On Saturday Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals, including 16 under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote for the next pope. It was Pope Francis’ eighth consistory, and whenever we get a new crop of Princes of the Church, several chronic misconceptions tend to head once more into the breach.
Pope Creates 20 New Cardinals, Including San Diego Bishop
In a ceremony to create 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis encouraged the College of Cardinals to have the same spiritual zeal for all people, whether they are in positions of power or ordinary Christians.
Synodal Process Described as an Invitation to Leadership in the Church
The synodal process that is underway is an invitation to people in the Catholic Church to listen to each other and can lead to greater leadership by laypeople within the church, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, told a webinar audience.
For Tailor to Popes and Cardinals, a Consistory is ‘Fashion Week’
Even if the garments are hand-me-downs, like the one Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires wore when Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal, the label is almost always the same.
St. Athanasius Hate-Crime Suspect Deemed Unfit for Trial
A federal judge on Friday declared a homeless man — who allegedly desecrated a crucifix at St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst and is accused of trying to light fire to a Brooklyn synagogue — mentally unfit to stand trial.
ANALYSIS: This Week’s Papal Speculation Risks Fiddling While Everyplace but Rome Burns
Right now, we’re in the middle of what I’ve taken to calling “World Series Week” on the Vatican beat. We tend to reserve the “Super Bowl” metaphor for transition events, i.e., the death or resignation of a pope, but this is basically the next step down in terms of significance and media interest.