The world’s vegetation has a remarkable ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and store it as biomass. In doing so, plants slow down climate change since the CO₂ they take up does not contribute to global warming. But what will happen under more advanced climate change? How will vegetation respond to projected Read more
Austrian theologian Paul Zulehner (pictured) is unconcerned with Pope Francis’ recent critique of the German Catholic Church’s Synodal Committee. Zulehner views the Pope’s reply to four critics of the German reform efforts as a “gesture of respect and courtesy”. Prof Zulehner noted this in a November 22 post on his private blog. Recently a letter Read more
Petra Bagust, television and radio personality and media chaplain, is confident in her faith in God. Moreover, she’s willing to connect with people and invite them into open and honest discussions. That is important to her, she says. So is the programme she hosts each week: Sunday Sanctuary – a small place of calm in Read more
Some German Synodal Path suggestions for change won’t be happening, says the Vatican. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has written an official note to the German Bishops’ Conference secretary general, Beate Gilles to clarify the Vatican’s stance on the German Synodal Path reform proposals. Non-negotiable issues Some issues are “non-negotiable”, Parolin told Gilles, Read more
In the wake of recent events in Christchurch involving the fringe group “Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer” and their alleged exorcisms, a critical examination of the Church’s stance on pre-Vatican II Latin Mass rites is both timely and necessary. This group’s actions have them being accused of operating as a law unto themselves, disrespecting Read more
The results of a national survey of Catholic priests released by The Catholic Project on Nov. 7 revealed an interesting dynamic in U.S. Catholic life. In the terminology used in the survey questions, young U.S. Catholic priests tend to be theologically traditional and politically conservative, particularly compared to older priests. Meanwhile, U.S. Catholics as a Read more
During the election campaign the now new Argentine president Javier Milei labelled Pope Francis a “‘filthy’ communist”, an “imbecile”, and the “representative of the Evil One seated on the throne of the house of God”. Milei – a far-right populist and libertarian economist who was prone to brandishing a chainsaw on the campaign – got Read more
In a significant gesture towards inclusivity, Pope Francis extended a lunch invitation to a group of transgender individuals. The group, mostly Latin American migrants and often engaged in sex work, has received unprecedented support from the Vatican. Under the guidance of the local parish priest, Rev Andrea Conocchia, these women now attend Francis’ weekly audiences Read more
A Catholic priest suddenly found himself taking on tasks usually performed by a midwife when her helped deliver a homeless woman’s twins in the grounds right outside his cathedral. “What is God trying to tell me through the extraordinary experience?” he wondered. It was just a ordinary errand that began the extraordinary chain of events Read more
Last week, Rio de Janeiro’s 125-foot Christ the Redeemer was illuminated with the image of a Taylor Swift T-shirt bearing a message welcoming the singer to the country for the latest leg of her Eras Tour. The rector of the sanctuary agreed to the Swifties’ request on the condition that they raise funds to buy Read more