As the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis drew to a close, an Australian bishop praised the event as a model for revitalising the Catholic faith worldwide and expressed hope that it could inspire similar revivals worldwide. According to the Australian Catholic Weekly, Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers of Sydney, who attended the congress as an international Read more
World
Quebec cardinal resumes duties after being cleared by Vatican
Thursday, July 25th, 2024Cardinal Gérald C Lacroix is resuming his duties as Quebec’s archbishop, six months after stepping aside when he was accused of sexual misconduct for which a Vatican-mandated investigation found no evidence to support. Lacroix announced he would step back into his role as archbishop of Quebec and primate of Canada in a July 22 news Read more
Texan Carmelite nuns seek pastoral care from suspended priests
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
A community of Carmelite nuns in Arlington, Texas have permitted two priests to celebrate Mass in their convent despite the priests being suspended on suspicion of abuse. Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas revealed that the priests have been serving as chaplains to the nuns without authorisation. The priests, the bishop Read more
Trump’s assassination survival spurs religious fervour
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
The Republican National Convention (RNC) has seen an unprecedented surge in religious fervour following former President Donald Trump’s narrow escape from an assassination attempt. Trump’s supporters have attributed his survival to divine intervention, heightening the event’s religious fervour. Traditionally, invocations at political conventions are confined to opening and closing prayers. This year, however, Trump’s near-death experience Read more
Ukraine advances ban on Moscow-linked Orthodox Church
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
Ukraine is progressing towards banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), a move that Moscow sees as an attack on religious freedom. On Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament’s Committee for Humanitarian Affairs and Information Policy approved a draft law. This aims to protect national security and religious freedom. The legislative initiative was first adopted last October. It Read more
Yes-no: Despite papal denial, women’s diaconate talks persist
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
The women’s diaconate is a discussion that won’t go away. Pope Francis consistently says “no” when asked if women can be deacons or join the Catholic clergy. But Francis supports discussion about the women’s diaconate. This October’s synod working document affirms “theological reflection should continue”. Since last December the Pope and his Council of Cardinal Read more
Catholic culture and local culture in culture clash
Monday, July 22nd, 2024
Catholic inculturation in Cameroon must stop. This is the firm advice given to the Bishop of Kumbo in Cameroon. The Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA) has written a strongly worded letter warning the Catholic Church against adulterating their culture “in the guise of inculturation”. The Nso is one of the largest clans in Cameroon’s Read more
World Day of Grandparents: Vatican grants plenary indulgence for visiting the elderly
Monday, July 22nd, 2024The Vatican has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who visits a sick, lonely, or disabled elderly person on the fourth annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 28. Grandparents or elderly people can also receive a plenary indulgence, as can anyone who participates in religious functions connected to the celebration, as Read more
Vatican strengthens Dicastery for Communication
Monday, July 22nd, 2024The Vatican’s media department has a deputy editorial director for the first time. Pope Francis appointed Massimiliano Menichetti (53) as Deputy Director of the Dicastery for Communication and Vatican News, as the Vatican announced on Thursday. The Rome-born lawyer and journalist has been working for the Vatican media for more than 20 years, until now Read more
Myanmar junta restricts cash withdrawal at banks amid economic crisis
Monday, July 22nd, 2024Amid steep inflation and a freefalling economy, Myanmar banks have begun restricting the amounts of cash that can be withdrawn daily, according to residents, a bank branch, and a bank officer who told Radio Free Asia it was to prevent a bank run. “People have experienced more anxiety,” the bank officer said, referring to the Read more