By Michael Kelly DUBLIN (CNS) – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin decried comments from clerics and others who said Pope Francis caused confusion in his calls for an open discussion on how the Church should reach out to those who are marginalized, hurt and wounded in their lives during the recent Synod of Bishops on […]
Pope Francis
Cardinal Burke Receives New Vatican Post
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis removed U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, 66, as head of the Vatican’s highest court and named him to a largely ceremonial post for a chivalric religious order. Cardinal Burke, formerly prefect of the Apostolic Signature, will now serve as cardinal patron of the Knights and Dames of Malta. The […]
The Spirit Breathes
Dear Editor: Re: the extraordinary Synod. First of all, the only conclusion that it came to was to end Oct. 18. The Holy Father will study all the recommendations and will give the official results next year before the Ordinary Synod in October. All are welcome into the Church. No one was ever rejected because […]
Terrorism of Gossip
Twice last week, Pope Francis spoke to the Church about the serious threat of terrorism. However, the terrorism of which he spoke was of a very different kind than the danger of Islamic extremism and the growing threat of the Islamic State. No, in two separate audiences, one with superiors of Religious Orders of Men […]
Pope: Terrorism Is at Unimaginable Levels
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Middle East, especially Iraq and Syria, are experiencing “terrorism of previously unimaginable proportions” in which the perpetrators seem to have absolutely no regard for the value of human life, Pope Francis said.
Threats to Pope’s Life Are Real
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – A Philippine security analyst said the country should take “very, very seriously” the threat of Islamic State fighters on Pope Francis’ life, especially during his visit there in January.
Wanted: A Synod of Affirmation
Pope Francis has called a special session of the Synod of Bishops, which will meet from Oct. 5-19 and prepare the agenda for the ordinary session of the Synod that is scheduled for the fall of 2015; both sessions will focus on the family.
Pope: Stop Talking, Do Something
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – With so much spiritual, social and moral suffering in the world, the Church has “no right” to stay locked up in an ivory tower, engaging in “byzantine” philosophical reflection, Pope Francis told members of the Focolare movement.
Pope Announces Reform of the Annulment Process
Two weeks before the start of an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, the Vatican announced the formation of a special commission to reform the process of granting marriage annulments.
The Pope in Albania
TIRANA, Albania (CNS) – In a world “where an authentic religious spirit is being perverted and where religious differences are being distorted and exploited,” Albania is an “aspiring example” to everyone that peaceful coexistence is possible, Pope Francis said during a one-day visit to the country Sept. 21.