Catholicism
Hong Kong’s newly named Roman Catholic cardinal wants reconciliation and more hope for young people
By Kanis Leung — July 12, 2023
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s newly named Roman Catholic cardinal said Monday that he hopes for reconciliation and wants the city to give young people more hope following the economic downturn and a campaign to crush a pro-democracy movement.
Father Martin hopes to bring LGBTQ voices in synodal discussions
By Claire Giangravé — July 11, 2023
(RNS) — The Rev. James Martin, an advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the church, has been tapped by Pope Francis to attend the synod.
Argentina archbishop says he made mistakes in handling abuse allegations against priest
By Natacha Pisarenko and Almudena Calatrava — July 11, 2023
LA PLATA, Argentina (AP) — The case has drawn allegations by critics that Fernández tried to protect the priest, a charge that he has denied.
Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including prelates based in Hong Kong and Jerusalem
By Frances D'emilio — July 9, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis continues to leave his mark on the body of churchmen who will select his successor.
US priest who runs outreach for LGBTQ+ Catholics tapped by pope to join major Vatican gathering
By Frances D'emilio — July 7, 2023
ROME (AP) — Among those chosen is the Rev. James Martin, who has long been a prominent advocate of greater inclusion of the LGBTQ community in the Catholic church.
Pope Francis’ trip to Mongolia in September will be closely watched by Russia and China
By Associated Press — July 7, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The visit is steeped in geopolitical significance as it will be closely watched by both Russia, which controlled Mongolia during the Soviet era, and China, which is seeking to exert its influence through the Belt and Road initiative.
400 years ago, philosopher Blaise Pascal was one of the first to grapple with the role of faith in an age of science and reason
By David Hoinski — July 7, 2023
(The Conversation) — Blaise Pascal, a mathematician and a Catholic theologian, born 400 years ago,
left a deep and lasting influence on the world that can be felt today.
Halted appointment of theology dean rocks the Vatican and beyond
By Claire Giangravé — July 6, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Vatican blocked the appointment of the Rev. Martin Lintner as dean of a theological university due to concerns about his writings on sexual morality.
Catholic bishops in South Sudan call for reexamination of ‘flawed’ peace pact
By Fredrick Nzwili — July 5, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The bishops claim the pact that ended the country’s 2013-2018 civil war has allowed political leaders to extend their power at the expense of ordinary people.
Bishop named to Vatican office handling sex abuse complaints discounted some victims, US group says
By Frances D'emilio — July 5, 2023
ROME (AP) — A U.S.-based group that tracks how the Catholic hierarchy deals with allegations of sexual abuse by clergy says Pope Francis made a “troubling” choice in appointing an Argentine prelate to a powerful Vatican office that handles such cases.
Pope Francis ‘outraged and disgusted’ by burning of Quran
By Claire Giangravé — July 3, 2023
(RNS) — The pope commented after a man in Sweden publicly kicked a Quran and put bacon on it before burning it.
Pope meets with wife and family of Julian Assange, who says pontiff ‘concerned’ by his suffering
By Rebecca Preciutti — July 3, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The visit came as Stella Assange has been seeking to drum up political support for her husband’s cause, including a visit to his native Australia last month.
Pope appoints bishop from his native Argentina to lead Vatican office that enforces church doctrine
By Frances D'emilio and Nicole Winfield — July 3, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis named Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández, the archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, as the prefect, or chief, of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Vatican reports income boost in charitable fund, even as donations dip following financial scandals
By Nicole Winfield — July 3, 2023
(AP) — The Vatican on Friday reported that the pope's charitable fund, Peter's Pence, doubled its income in 2022 to more than $166 million, even as donations dipped slightly following years of scandal over financial mismanagement at the Holy See.
Catholics and Orthodox join forces for peace amid Russian and Ukrainian skeptics
By Claire Giangravé — June 30, 2023
(RNS) — Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with political and religious representatives in Moscow, June 28-30.
