As leaders from ten different religious traditions “gathered” through Zoom at an interfaith forum hosted in Saudi Arabia, Pope Francis’s latest document on human fraternity had a central place in the discussions.
International News
Pope Calls Brazilian Priest, Thanks Him for Work With Homeless
Father Julio Lancellotti was caught by surprise Oct. 10 when Pope Francis personally called him asking about his work with the homeless.
Mexican President Again Asks Pope for Apology for 1521 Conquest
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has asked Pope Francis to apologize for the church’s role in the conquest of the Americas. It’s the second time he has made such a request of the pontiff in less than two years.
Analysis: Pope Francis Meets Cardinal Pell: ‘Vindication’ Yes, ‘Resurgence’ Not So Fast
Cardinal George Pell completed his comeback tour Oct. 12 with a half-hour audience with Pope Francis. When Cardinal Pell left Rome in 2017 to return to Australia to face those abuse charges his future seemed bleak, while that of his nemesis, then-Archbishop Angelo Becciu, seemed almost unlimited.
Beatified Teen Showed That Heaven Is ‘Attainable Goal,’ Cardinal Says
Thousands sang and applauded as Italian teen Carlo Acutis was beatified in a town dear to him and to many Christians around the world: Assisi.
Bishop: Francis Expressed ‘Dramatic Concern’ Over Germany’s ‘Synodal Path’
A German bishop says Pope Francis expressed a “dramatic concern” over the Catholic Church in Germany and its “synodal path” of reform that began last year, which could include reviewing “taboo” issues such as priestly celibacy and a female priesthood.
Teen Was ‘Influencer for God,’ Mother Says on Eve of Son’s Beatification
In early October along the pristine medieval streets of Assisi, a city ubiquitous with references to St. Francis, posters bore the image of a different modern saint-in-the-making: Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian tech whiz.
Nicaraguan Bishops Speak Out Against Ortega Regime’s Attacks on Free Speech
In a span of a few days, several members of the Catholic hierarchy in Nicaragua have spoken against the government of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, denouncing them for attacking the freedom of the press and calling the government a dictatorship.
China-Vatican Negotiations Frustrating for Local Chinese Clergy, Parishioners
Chinese Catholics say undisclosed details about negotiations between the Vatican and the Chinese government add to confusion about Church leadership in their native country. The confusion also drives a wedge between Catholics willing to cooperate with government regulators and others who want only to recognize the Vatican’s leadership, local Chinese clergy say.
Nun Honored by Time Magazine Says Politics Should Serve People, Not Party Interests
Sister Norma Pimentel, who recently made it on this years’ “Time” 100 Most Influential People list for her work on the U.S.-Mexico border, has lamented the politicization of the immigration issue, insisting that politics should serve people, not partisan interests.