One of the most ancient axioms to define the See of Peter’s role in the Church reads: “prima sedes a nemine iudicatur” — no one can judge the first see. Centuries before papal primacy was defined at Vatican Council I in 1870, the Bishop of Rome already enjoyed a type of immunity in both the Read more
There are many ways to be Catholic. The comment comes from the West Australian archbishop and member of the preparatory committee for the General Assembly of the Synod, Timothy Costelloe. He says that ongoing consultation with Catholics worldwide needs to give more deference to local church authorities. Pope Francis’s global synod – which began in Read more
A prominent French archbishop has resigned but strongly defends his turbulent six-year tenure. Luc Ravel, the Archbishop of Strasbourg, announced his resignation on April 20. However, he gave no reason for his resignation. “Peace being the supreme good (…), I have presented my resignation to the Holy Father, for whom I pray every day”, he Read more
A communication breakdown led to permission being given to a group of Anglican clergy (some pictured) to celebrate the Eucharist in the pope’s cathedral, Rome’s Basilica of St John Lateran last Tuesday. Auxiliary Bishop Guerino Di Tora of Rome, vicar for the basilica’s chapter, has acknowledged and apologised for the communication problem, which led to Read more
It seems no sooner than all Covid restrictions have been lifted from Catholic churches – the sneeze-proof face mask, the empty holy water stoup, the contactless signs of peace, that a selection of lurgies have made themselves known. The rising number of Covid cases, hospitalisations and deaths suggest we could be in for another rough Read more
Known as the “Orlandi case” and, thanks to a recent television series, the case of the “Vatican Girl“, it is the saga of Emanuela Orlandi, a 15-year-old daughter of a Vatican employee who disappeared in Rome nearly 40 years ago. Since her father worked in the Prefecture of the Papal Household, she and her family Read more
King Charles’ May 6 coronation procession will be led by a cross containing religious relics gifted to the monarch by Pope Francis. The cross, named the Cross of Wales, contains two shards of the True Cross, which is said to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Royal Palace made the announcement Read more
In a Sunday address, Pope Francis made a heartfelt plea to the world to pray for Sudan, urging the country’s warring military factions to set aside their arms and actively seek peace. “I am following with concern the events unfolding in Sudan,” he said on April 16 from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square. “I Read more
The marriage of Charles and Diana was never going to be successful, says former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey. Speaking on a new royal ‘docuseries’ the Church of England’s most senior cleric from 1991 to 2002 says he was ‘pitched in to help’ with Charles and Dianna’s marriage. In a frank discussion, he tells ITVXs Read more
Retired Catholic Bishop of Dunedin Colin Campbell has been appointed as the Interim Rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland. Campbell is taking over from Father Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil, who has left the seminary. Bishop Emeritus Campbell accepted the interim role until a permanent appointment is made, expected at the end of 2023. The appointment has Read more