Catholicism
There’s the synod. And then there’s the dream of synodality.
By Phyllis Zagano — October 24, 2023
(RNS) — The back-and-forth is dizzying, and it will not end soon.
Palestinian Americans rally, pray and organize amid crisis in Gaza
By Kathryn Post — October 23, 2023
(RNS) — 'This is not a time to say, ‘I'm stressed and I can't.’ People in Gaza need us,' said Walaa Kanan, a Palestinian American community organizer.
Francis wants the synod in every parish. Here’s how to bring it to yours.
By Thomas Reese — October 23, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Such a process is a far cry from a parish meeting presided over by the pastor who announces and defends his preordained decisions.
Vatican summit tackles women’s ordination with a nod from Pope Francis
By Claire Giangravé — October 23, 2023
(RNS) — The synod on synodality gets the ball rolling on the question of female clergy, but the final decision will be up to Pope Francis.
Oklahoma attorney general sues to stop US’s first public religious school
By Sean Murphy — October 23, 2023
(AP) — The approval of a publicly funded religious school is the latest in a series of actions taken by conservative-led states that include efforts to teach the Bible in public schools, and to ban books and lessons about race, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Archbishop of Canterbury, in Jerusalem, to meet with Christians and Jewish leaders
By Catherine Pepinster — October 20, 2023
LONDON (RNS) — Speculation is growing that Welby, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Eastern Orthodox Church might jointly issue a statement calling for a ceasefire.
Cardinal Hollerich guides synod with a gentle hand
By Thomas Reese — October 20, 2023
(RNS) — Hollerich hopes the synod can develop a road map for worldwide consultation before the next session of the synod in October 2024.
Nicaragua releases 12 Catholic priests and sends them to Rome, following agreement with the Vatican
By Associated Press — October 19, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Vatican confirmed Thursday that the Holy See had been asked to receive the 12 priests who had been recently released
The pope’s absolute power, and the problems it can cause, are on display in 2 Vatican trials
By Nicole Winfield — October 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — On Thursday, the Vatican’s long-running financial fraud, extortion and corruption trial resumes, with defense attorneys offering final arguments ahead of a verdict expected before the end of the year.
How the Catholic Church’s crash in Poland brought down the Law and Justice party
By Anna Piela — October 18, 2023
(RNS) — With an exodus of young people, the Polish church may be facing the ‘Irish scenario.’
Participants at Vatican synod divided on how to respond to war in the Holy Land
By Claire Giangravé — October 18, 2023
(RNS) — Those assembled for the discussions about the future of the Catholic Church have debated their responsibility to speak as a body about the crisis in the Mideast, but participants from Ukraine and Africa asked that conflicts in other countries also be addressed.
Vatican seeks to defuse tensions with Israel as it offers mediation in the Holy Land
By Claire Giangravé — October 16, 2023
(RNS) — The Israeli foreign minister asked for ‘an unequivocal and clear condemnation’ of Hamas by the Holy See.
Did Pope Francis just add to the church’s teaching on animals?
By Charles C. Camosy — October 12, 2023
(RNS) — The short answer: His 'Laudate Deum' gives us more hope, even if it lacks specifics.
New award honors Tim Keller and Sister Norma Pimentel for civic renewal
By Jack Jenkins — October 11, 2023
(RNS) — A new group plans to honor the Rev. Timothy Keller, an evangelical Christian theologian who died earlier this year, and Catholic nun Sister Norma Pimentel, known for her work with migrants.
Synod on Synodality finds its voice after Pope Francis enforces silence
By Claire Giangravé — October 11, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis said ‘the church is taking a break’ to turn its gaze inward.