Pope Francis approved the removal of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick from the clerical state, colloquially known as “laicization” or “defrocking,” the Vatican announced Feb. 16.
International News
Abuse Victim Who Chained Himself to Vatican Finds Closure in Meeting
Since the Church’s sex abuse scandals first erupted, victims have tried different methods to be heard by Church authorities. Some have protested, others have marched, others still have appealed to friends and connections in order to bring their case to the Vatican.
Abuse Summit: Voices Highlight Global Dimension of the Crisis
Ahead of a summit of presidents of bishops’ conferences and other Church officials in Rome Feb. 21-24 on clerical sexual abuse and child protection, voices from around the world are emphasizing that it’s a global problem requiring a global solution.
Pope Warns Maduro: Talks to End Venezuelan Crisis Must Be Serious
According to a report in an Italian newspaper, Pope Francis has written to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to say that while he’s in favor of a negotiated settlement to the country’s political crisis, previous conversations were halted because agreements were not respected.
Author Holds Up Martyred Copts as Model for Contemporary Christians
Four years ago this week, 21 men were videotaped on a beach in Libya as their ISIS captors beheaded them one by one. Of the 21 victims, 20 were Coptic Christians from Egypt who had migrated to Libya for work. In his new book, German novelist Martin Mosebach chronicles his travels through Upper Egypt, where he met with the martyrs’ families and priests.
Venezuelan Opposition: Vatican Supports New Election
Although it has publicly taken a neutral stance in the current political crisis in Venezuela, the Vatican has expressed its support for new elections in the country within the year, said a member of a delegation representing opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Religious Leaders Condemn Plans for Miss Curvy Uganda Pageant
A Catholic priest in Uganda has called the country’s tourism minister “a disciple of Satan” for a new campaign highlighting the country’s women.
Pope Offered A Million Reasons To Go Vegan For Lent
Pope Francis has been challenged to go vegan for Lent – and in exchange for his sacrifice, he’d receive a $1 million donation to a charity of his choice. The high-stakes deal is being offered by a 12-year-old animal rights activist, Genesis Butler, and the Million Dollar Vegan campaign.
Priest Insists Fighting Child Abuse Goes Well Beyond The Church
Speaking at a secular conference on child pornography and online threats to youth, a Catholic priest said the fight against child abuse isn’t merely a cause for the Church, but for the entire human family and for civilization itself.
Booze, Cigars and a Halo? Chesterton Sainthood Cause Awaits Approval
A leading scholar behind the push to advance the canonization of celebrated writer G.K. Chesterton has published a new book making a case for the sainthood of the “prolific” 20th century author, hitting back at critics who see him as unsuited for a halo.