The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world rose in 2023, while the number of seminarians, priests, men and women in religious orders, and baptisms all declined, according to Vatican statistics.
Communion
Priests’ Uplifting Social Media Content Counters Mockery of Faith
At a time when the convergence of faith and social media is in the news after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer mocked the sacrament of Communion in an Instagram video, Father Simon Teller said faith-based social media content, including that which is light-hearted, is possible if it’s done in a way that the creator believes “brings people closer to Jesus.”
Report: U.S. Catholics ‘Desire to Rebuild and Strengthen Our Communion’
To address noticeable tensions, American Catholics want Church leaders to foster unity through promoting interculturality and greater co-responsibility, and for them to better articulate Church teaching, according to the latest synod synthesis report for the American Church.
Several U.S. Dioceses Lift Pandemic Restriction, Resume Use of Communion Cup
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the United States in 2020, U.S. dioceses put liturgical restrictions in place, such as no longer using the Communion cup, to avoid potential germs with a shared vessel.
Some U.S. Dioceses are Lifting Restrictions on Communion Cup
As many restrictions put in place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, some Catholic dioceses around the country are returning, or already have returned, to offering consecrated wine in the chalice for Communion while others are waiting to do so.
Pope Francis Speaks on U.S. Gun Violence, Abortion Debate, Retirement Rumors
U.S. President Joe Biden should consult with his bishop or parish priest about his stance on abortion, Pope Francis said, adding that the primary concern of bishops should be pastoral care.
In New Interview, Pope Francis Talks About Roe v Wade, Resignation Rumors
In a wide-ranging interview with Reuters, Pope Francis addressed several hot-button topics, including his health and resignation rumors, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States.
Analysis: As Communion Ban Debate Heats Up Anew, Don’t Count on Rome to Settle it
In itself, Friday’s announcement that Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone formally has barred House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving Communion over her support for abortion rights probably shouldn’t be surprising, and it also may not be very consequential, at least in the short term.
In Wake of Pelosi Communion Ban, Pope Backs Pro-Life Demonstration in Italy
Two days after Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone announced that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was barred from receiving Communion in San Francisco over her support for abortion rights, Pope Francis offered support to a pro-life demonstration, saying life is a gift from God.
How Pastors Deal With Ebb and Flow of Communion
Holy Communion is a sacred part of the Mass, and pastors in the Diocese of Brooklyn carefully plan how the Eucharist will be distributed to the faithful to make sure the procedure goes smoothly, with no logjams in the church aisles.