Finally, the Vatican has done a deal with China, or rather with the ruling Chinese Communist Party that has been conducting an escalating program of repression against religion.
International News
Pope Francis to Latvians: Faith Not ‘Curio of the Past’
What would Mary do? That was the question Pope Francis, in effect, asked Latvian Catholics gathered at their nation’s popular Marian shrine.
Singer Bono Calls Pope ‘Extraordinary,’ Feels He Is ‘Sincere’ on Abuse Crisis
In a private meeting with Pope Francis on Sept. 19, Irish singer Paul David Hewson, better known by his stage name “Bono” of the rock band U2, said he found the pontiff not only to be creative in his solutions to poverty, but sincerely impacted by the ongoing clerical abuse crisis shattering both the Catholic Church and his papacy.
Bishops to Investigate Four Dioceses After Pope Nixes Vatican McCarrick Probe
On the one month anniversary of explosive charges against Pope Francis’ handling of former Cardinal McCarrick’s history of abuse, it has become clear that the U.S. bishops’ request for a Vatican-led investigation will not move forward, leading the prelates to ponder what comes next.
Big Bang for Small Bucks For Persecuted Christians
In a modest structure located under the shade of large oak trees in what used to be a French military compound, hardly betokening the seriousness of purpose that lies within, the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) runs a global operation to provide support to impoverished and persecuted Christians everywhere.
Colombian Prelate Tells UN Delegates Peace Is Possible
One year after Pope Francis’ visit to Colombia, where he urged forgiveness and reconciliation in a nation seeking to end its 50-year civil war, U.N. delegates attending an annual prayer vigil for the opening of the General Assembly were reminded that peace, while challenging, is achievable.
Sudanese Refugees in Egypt Suffer Discrimination, Poverty
According to Egyptian authorities, there are 5 million refugees and immigrants who are mostly Sudanese that live in Egypt. While Egypt faces economic malaise, Sudanese refugees face a grim situation amid discrimination and violence, and moreover poverty.
Chilean Hero Expelled from Priesthood Over Abuse Charges
A priest who was once a national hero in Chile, and who now finds himself another casualty of that country’s massive clerical sexual abuse crisis, has been expelled from the priesthood by Pope Francis after being found guilty of abusing minors and vulnerable adults.
Bishop Says ‘Laudato Si’ To Flower in Brooklyn With Green Housing
Amid what hasn’t exactly been the best run for Pope Francis lately, Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio brought the pontiff a bit of happy news last week: His ecological vision in “Laudato Si’” is flowering in America in the form of three new “green” affordable housing projects for seniors in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Migration Bishop Issues Statement on US Refugee Limit for the Year 2019
The U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, announced this week that the Administration will set the Presidential Determination, the level of refugees allowed into the United States, at 30,000 refugees for 2019.