Given the low level of participation by American Catholics in the process leading up to the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the leader of the U.S. bishops says that efforts to involve a greater share of the laity in the next stage — dubbed the “implementation phase” — will be crucial to success or failure.
Author: John Lavenburg
Understanding the Jubilee and Its Roots From the Bible
A Holy Year, or jubilee, is a “great religious event” in the Catholic tradition, according to the Vatican. The Holy See describes it as one of “forgiveness of sins and also punishment due to sin … reconciliation between adversaries, of conversion and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and consequently of solidarity, hope, justice, commitment to serve God with joy and in peace with our brothers and sisters.”
New Encyclical ‘Simple and Powerful Cure’ to Many Societal Issues, U.S. Bishop Says
The head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says Pope Francis’ new encyclical offers a “simple and powerful” cure to many problems that plague modern society.
Archdiocese of Los Angeles to Pay $880 Million to Settle Abuse Claims
In a settlement that Archbishop José Gomez says will provide just compensation to victim-survivors and allow the local Church to continue to carry out its ministries, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will pay out $880 million to settle 1,353 childhood sexual abuse claims.
Notre Dame to Explore Faith-Based Ethical Uses of AI
About five months after Pope Francis spoke of the responsibility political leaders have to ensure that artificial intelligence is used ethically, the University of Notre Dame has announced it will develop faith-based frameworks for ethical uses of the technology.
Charlotte Diocese Helps North Carolina Hurricane Victims Amid ‘Heartbreaking Scenes’
A week after the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the western part of North Carolina, Msgr. Patrick Winslow said everyone leading the Diocese of Charlotte’s response and recovery efforts is still trying to understand the full extent of the damage.
San Francisco Archbishop Questions Ballot Initiative to Identify Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers
Ahead of polls opening next month, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco is asking the local faithful, “Why would anyone want to stigmatize a primary health care facility and a pregnancy resource center that gives pregnant women support for having their babies?”
Catholic Expert Says Escalation, Winter Both Menace Gaza’s Displaced Population
As hostilities heighten across the Middle East, the concern for Jason Knapp — and, by his estimation, for other humanitarian workers in Gaza — is what a potential escalation of the conflict might mean for the almost two million displaced people who remain in dire conditions, and who have significant needs ahead of the winter months.
Federal Asylum Restrictions Demonstrate ‘Absence of Moral Compass,’ Advocate Says
Multiple Catholic immigration advocates have spoken out this week against the Biden administration’s move to expand previously implemented asylum restrictions, with one opining that the decision shows “an alarming absence of moral compass.”
Cardinal Dolan Suing Insurance Company for Failing to Pay After Abuse Deals
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has announced that the archdiocese has sued its longtime primary insurance company, Chubb, for “attempting to evade their legal and moral contractual obligation to settle covered claims” of sex abuse.
