In a move that may signal Pope Francis’ plan for the reform of the Roman Curia is close to completion, the pontiff has named Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
International News
Only in Print: For Coptics, Some Differences With Christmas | December 21, 2019
For Coptic Christians in Egypt, Christmas is celebrated somewhat differently than it is in most of the world, although some traditions are the same.
Pope Lifts Secrecy Obligation for Those Who Report Having Been Abused
Pope Francis has abolished the obligation of secrecy for those who report having been abused by a priest and for those who testify in a church trial or process having to do with clerical abuse.
Latin America Turns to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Plea for Peace
With much of Latin America in the throes of months of social and political unrest, the continent’s bishops have turned to the “Empress of the Americas” to lend a hand in the effort for peace.
Vatican Calls Greta Thunberg ‘Great Witness’ of Church’s Environmental Teaching
On Dec. 11 top Vatican officials hailed Swedish teen Greta Thunberg, recently named TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year” for her environmental advocacy, as a “great witness” of Church teaching on care for creation and the human person.
Kenyan Nun Uses Law Degree to Navigate Church Through African Society
Sister Leonida Katunge wears two hats – or habits, rather – spending her days alternating between teaching courses in liturgy and practicing law in her homeland of Kenya.
Syria’s Assad Says Pope Francis Has ‘Incomplete’ Picture of the War
In a new interview, Syrian President Bashar al Assad responded publicly to a letter he received from Pope Francis over the summer voicing concern about civilian casualties in the country’s ongoing civil war.
Immaculate Conception is Feast of Hope for Sinners, Pope Says
Mary, conceived without sin, is a “masterpiece” who reflects “the beauty of God who is all love, grace and self-giving,” Pope Francis said on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Africans Warn Numerical Growth Has to be Matched by ‘Tools of Liberation’
A major African summit concluded on Dec. 9 with a warning that despite the continent enjoying the Catholic Church’s highest growth rate, unless theology and pastoral practice is “translated into tools of liberation” then “the growth of the Church will only be in number.”
Experts Say Pope’s Metaphor of a ‘Field Hospital’ has Special Punch for Africa
According to a range of scholars at a Pan-African Congress on Theology, Pastoral Life, and Society, the pope’s metaphor for the Church as a “field hospital” provides particular resonance for the African continent – and, they say, must guide pastoral practice in the realms of education, liturgy, and the laity.