Europe’s bishops have criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal earlier this month to include abortion in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, saying that doing so would not only be unethical but would oppose European values.
International News
Retired Pope Benedict XVI Has Full Support of Pope Francis, Aide Says
Pope Francis was among those showing their support for retired Pope Benedict XVI, sending his predecessor “a beautiful letter,” according to the former pope’s secretary.
Pope Francis to Priests: Don’t Remain ‘Barricaded in the Sacristy’
Priests must not shut themselves into small-knit cliques but instead open themselves to the world and make God’s love reach everyone, Pope Francis said.
Men Must Join Fight Against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis Says
Male-female relationships based on “discrimination and submission” lead to the exploitation and humiliation of thousands of women and girls each year, Pope Francis said.
Archbishop Asks People to Pray, Says Russian Threat Extends Beyond Ukraine
The major archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church reiterated concerns of some of his Baltic neighbors, saying that Ukraine might be on the front lines of a Russian threat, but the threat extends beyond Ukraine.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Letter in Response to Munich Report Admits No Wrongdoing
At the age of 94, retired Pope Benedict XVI said he knows he will soon stand before God’s judgment and he prayed that he would be forgiven for his shortcomings, including in handling allegations of clerical sexual abuse.
Complete Letter of Pope Benedict XVI Regarding Report on Abuse
Here is the Vatican’s English translation of the letter retired Pope Benedict XVI published Feb. 8 in response to the independent report on the handling of sexual abuse allegations in the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising from 1945 to 2019.
Brazilians Installed as Catechists say Recognition Strengthens Their Work
Formally installing catechists and lectors into their roles as lay leaders in the church is especially important as a recognition for women and men in places like the Amazon region, where many are de facto religious leaders in remote communities that suffer from a severe shortage of priests, said a Brazilian recently installed as a catechist by Pope Francis.
Survey Finds Path to U.S. Citizenship for Migrants has Majority Support
Though immigration remains a polemic topic in political circles, just 44% of Americans recently surveyed by the Public Religion Research Institute said it was a “critical issue” in the U.S.
Biden Joins Pope Francis, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in Marking Day of Human Fraternity
On the second annual Day of Human Fraternity both religious and secular leaders have joined voices calling for greater brotherhood and solidarity, saying faith implies respect for all people regardless of their traditions or beliefs.