Catholicism
Can you be a feminist and a Catholic? A theologian argues it’s harder than ever.
By Claire Giangravé — March 21, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a post #MeToo and #ChurchToo world, Catholic feminists struggle to find reasons to stay.
New Catholic Spanish language record label seeks to catch up to Christian industry
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — March 19, 2024
(RNS) — Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to 'go out,' Juan Delgado and Pedro Rubalcava launched Via Cantus in February 2023.
‘There are still so many things to do,’ Pope says in new memoir amid resignation rumors
By Claire Giangravé — March 19, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The new book, ‘Life: My Story Through History,’ is being published in Europe and the United States on the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ tenure at the helm of the Catholic Church.
Before tackling troublesome issues, Pope Francis insists on synodality
By Thomas Reese — March 19, 2024
(RNS) — I feel that I am on the Titanic while the crew is meeting to talk about how they should listen to one another.
Notre Dame Cathedral’s restoration has been a 5-year journey of dedication and recovery
By Thomas Adamson — March 19, 2024
PARIS (AP) — The iconic medieval monument immortalized in history, film and literature has been gradually rebuilt over the past five years, through challenges that have included delays during the pandemic and the loss of the project's leader.
Victims of Catholic nuns rely on each other after being overlooked in the clergy sex abuse crisis
By Tiffany Stanley — March 18, 2024
(AP) — Women in religious orders have also been abuse victims — but they have been perpetrators too.
Head of Catholic order for the Holy Land calls for a ‘just peace’
By Claire Giangravé — March 15, 2024
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As skepticism of brokering peace in the Holy Land grows, Cardinal Fernando Filoni insisted coexistence is still possible.
Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad
By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.
Pope acknowledges criticism and health issues but says in his new memoir he has no plans to retire
By Nicole Winfield — March 15, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling bronchitis, the flu and a cold on and off this winter and for the past two weeks has asked an aide to read most of his speeches.
Nearly 500 victims of church sex abuse in France have received financial compensation
By Barbara Surk — March 15, 2024
NICE, France (AP) — The report described a “systemic” coverup by church officials and urged the French Catholic Church to respect the rule of law in France.
Polish Catholics get a new leader as the church struggles to reckon with sexual abuse
By Associated Press — March 15, 2024
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A number of Poland's archbishops and bishops have retired or stepped down, with the Vatican's approval, for ignoring or trying to cover up abuses cases and for downplaying the trauma of the victims.
A Wisconsin ruling on Catholic Charities raises the bar for religious tax exemptions
By Todd Richmond — March 14, 2024
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — U.S. religious institutions enjoy tax exemptions, most notably from property taxes. Debate has raged for decades over whether the exemptions are fair.
Vatican puts the brakes on Synod on Synodality, pushes ‘controversial’ topics to 2025
By Claire Giangravé — March 14, 2024
(RNS) — Women deacons, priestly formation and other contentious questions won’t be a part of the next synod in October.
Unexpected defeat of referendums shows growing power of Ireland’s traditional Catholics
By Daniel O'Connor — March 13, 2024
DUBLIN (RNS) — At a Mass said in Latin on Sunday (March 10), Ireland’s traditional Catholics declared political victory, days after a pair of referendums aimed at secularizing the Irish Constitution were unexpectedly and resoundingly defeated.
Texas judge temporarily blocks attempt to shut down Annunciation House
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — Ken Paxton attempted to ‘run roughshod over Annunciation House, without regard to due process or fair play,’ Francisco Dominguez, a state court judge, wrote in Monday’s ruling.
