Pope Francis has strongly criticised the notion of gender theory as an example of an attitude that sins against God the creator. In an interview published in a book recently released in Italy, the Pope put gender theory in the same category as genetic manipulation and nuclear weapons. These are all threats to creation, that Read more
Calls were made by some cardinals at the Vatican last week for qualified professionals from all over the world to work in the Roman Curia. Some of those who spoke at a consistory said there is a need for an enhanced role for laity, particularly women. Dozens of cardinals spoke about the work of the Read more
Pope Francis has said that families that choose not to have children are making a selfish choice. The Pope said this in his general audience at St Peter’s Square on February 11, during which he continued a series of reflections on the various roles in the family. A society that “views children above all as Read more
An American cardinal has moved to contextualise his claim that he would resist any possible move by Pope Francis away from Catholic doctrine. In an interview on a French television channel, Cardinal Raymond Burke said popes do not have the power to change the Church’s teaching or doctrine. Papal power is “at the service of Read more
One good thing has come out of the fuss over the pope’s comments about it being ok to smack your children (so long as their dignity is maintained); it has flushed out the former Irish president, Mary McAleese, as tiresomely conventional in much the same way as her predecessor, Mary Robinson – the very incarnation of PC. Read more
Pope Francis is to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress on September 24 in Washington, DC. House speaker John Boehner announced the “historic visit” by Francis. This will be the first time a Pope has addressed a joint meeting of Congress. Francis will speak to members of the US Senate and House Read more
Pope Francis has seemed to back parents who smack their children, providing the child’s “dignity” is maintained. He made the remarks during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on February 4, which was devoted to the role of fathers in the family. The Pope outlined the traits of a good father, as someone who Read more
Pope Francis has called for a more “incisive” presence of women in the leadership of the Catholic Church. In a speech to the Pontifical Council of Culture on February 7, the Pope said he was “convinced of the urgency of offering spaces for women in the Church and to welcome them”. Francis did not give Read more
A New Zealander who advises Pope Francis on combating sexual abuse has criticised the pontiff’s support of smacking children. Dr Krysten Winter-Green, who is based in Boston and works with abused young people, said there was no type of corporal punishment for children that was acceptable. Dr Winter-Green has served in dioceses around the world Read more