Catholicism
How to deal with same-sex unions? It’s a question fracturing major Christian denominations
By David Crary — January 9, 2024
Strikingly, the flare-up of debate in Catholic ranks coincides with developments in two other international Christian denominations that are fracturing over differences in LGBTQ-related policies.
Filipino Catholics pray for Mideast peace in massive procession venerating a black statue of Jesus
By Aaron Favila, Joeal Calupitan, and Jim Gomez — January 9, 2024
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Thousands of police and plainclothes officers were deployed, along with drone surveillance and commandos positioned on rooftops along the route of the procession.
Vatican’s doctrine chief is raising eyebrows over his 1998 book that graphically describes orgasms
By Nicole Winfield — January 9, 2024
ROME (AP) — “The Mystical Passion,” published in Mexico in 1998, is a short expose about mystical-sensual experiences with God.
Let the synodal consultations continue
By Thomas Reese — January 8, 2024
(RNS) — Diocesan consultations for the October 2024 session of the synod must be completed by April 8.
Pope Francis calls for a universal ban on surrogacy. He says it exploits mother and child
By Nicole Winfield — January 8, 2024
ROME (AP) — He said the life of the unborn child must be protected and not “suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking.”
Brazilian politician’s move to investigate a priest sparks outpouring of support for the clergyman
By Mauricio Savarese — January 5, 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Lancellotti, who has been an outspoken supporter of Lula, separately defended his work as a “pastoral action” of the archdiocese and said he does not belong to any non-profit organization.
Nebraska judge allows murder case to proceed against suspect in killing of small-town priest
By Josh Funk — January 5, 2024
BLAIR, Neb. (AP) — The priest's death came just four months after another seemingly random home invasion killing in the town of 1,100 that is eight miles north of Omaha and shook residents' confidence in their safety.
Is being rich bad for your soul? Yes, but not for the reason you expect
By Charles C. Camosy — January 4, 2024
(RNS) — The rich don’t just end up making themselves unhappy. They want us to be unhappy too.
Vatican says no heresy in allowing blessings for same-sex couples after pushback by some bishops
By Frances D'emilio — January 4, 2024
ROME (AP) — After pushback by some bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere, the Vatican on Thursday defended the recent move by Pope Francis to allow blessings for same-sex couples.
Young Catholics bring the spiritual lessons of the Synod on Synodality home
By Kyle Desrosiers — January 3, 2024
(RNS) — Invited to participate in a global meeting of Catholic bishops and lay leaders, young Philadelphians found themselves hopeful about the future of the church.
What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — January 3, 2024
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but also puts their lives in danger.
In a secular age, some young Americans still choose religious life
By Elizabeth E. Evans — January 2, 2024
(RNS) — While the numbers of priests and nuns have declined in recent decades, many millennials and Gen Zers still find a calling to religious life in the Catholic Church, even if the path to discernment has changed.
How Dominican women fight child marriage and teen pregnancy while facing total abortion bans
By MarÍa Teresa HernÁndez — January 2, 2024
AZUA, Dominican Republic (AP) — With a Bible on its flag, the Caribbean country has a powerful lobby of Catholics and evangelicals who are united against decriminalizing abortion.
Pope recalls Benedict XVI’s love and wisdom on anniversary of death, as secretary reflects on legacy
By Luigi Navarra and Nicole Winfield — January 2, 2024
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Speaking at the end of his weekly noon blessing, Francis said the faithful feel “so much love, so much gratitude, so much admiration” for Benedict.
Christ the Redeemer lit in Pele shirt as Brazil honors first anniversary of his death
By Mauricio Savarese — January 2, 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Christ the Redeemer had a projection of a Brazil shirt with Pelé's name and number 10 and a message from Pope Francis
