Now that the dust is beginning to settle on the tumultuous Synod of Bishops on the family, conclusions are up in the air as to what it all meant. Given the clear divisions that ran through the summit, it should be no surprise that after-the-fact interpretations are also all over the map. For some, the Read more
A young chef from the Vatican’s Swiss Guards has published a cookbook featuring the favourite recipes of Pope Francis and his predecessors. David Geisser, 24, who joined the elite Vatican security corps only a month ago, released his book, titled “Buon Appetito”, this week. The cookbook includes recipes for Francis’ favourite dishes, such as empanadas; roast Read more
Archbishop John Dew says the discussion at and after the synod on the family is ultimately about people’s lives and it is clear that people are hurting. In a summary statement on the synod, Archbishop Dew said “if the Church is to be a mother that consoles, encourages, reaches out, supports it must listen to what Read more
At the beatification of Blessed Pope Paul VI, Pope Francis has urged the Church to be open to new ways. Speaking to 70,000 people at St Peter’s Square on October 19, Francis said Catholics must “not fear the new” and must be open to previously “unexpected paths”. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who was made a Read more
Although the Synod of Bishops on the family has sparked frank discussions about the direction of the church, the American archbishop who represents U.S. Catholics at the event said Friday it is “doing what it’s supposed to do.” In an interview with NCR, U.S. bishops’ conference president Archbishop Joseph Kurtz said the synod is starting Read more
(RNS) As he wraps up a Vatican meeting marked by sharp debates over sex and morality, Pope Francis on Sunday will honour one of his most controversial predecessors by beatifying Pope Paul VI, who is most famous for reaffirming the Catholic Church’s ban on artificial contraception. Beatification puts Paul one step shy of formal sainthood. The move Read more
The conservative prefect of the Apostolic Signatura appears to have confirmed reports that Pope Francis is to assign him to a lesser role. American Cardinal Raymond Burke confirmed to the National Catholic Reporter that he has been told he will be removed from his current role. Asked who told him he would be removed, Cardinal Read more
If Francis doesn’t soon make it clear that the synod can’t abandon Catholic teaching, his pontificate could spin out of control. Cardinal Burke is right: the group responsible for reporting the synod is manipulating the presentation of what’s actually happening. The presentation earlier this week of the so-called “mid-term report” of the extraordinary synod of Read more
The Sistine Chapel has been opened to a corporate function for the first time, in order to benefit Pope Francis’ charities. Porsche enthusiasts paid 5000 Euros each for a multi-day tour of Rome, which included an exclusive concert inside the Sistine Chapel and a dinner in the Vatican Museums on Saturday. The “Art for Charity” Read more
The final report from the synod on the family has narrowed down aspects of a “welcoming” preliminary report, especially concerning gay people. The preliminary report, issued half way through the synod, asked if the Church community was welcoming to gay people. It noted that gay people have “gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian Read more