Catholicism
Vatican seeks to tamp down outrage over pope’s words of praise for Russian imperial past
By Nicole Winfield — August 29, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican spokesman said Francis merely wanted to praise the positive aspects of Russia’s spiritual and cultural history when he exalted Russia’s imperial rulers Peter and Catherine the Great.
Pope says some ‘backward’ conservatives in US Catholic Church have replaced faith with ideology
By Associated Press — August 29, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives.
With fewer than 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia, Pope Francis’ upcoming visit brings attention to the long and complex history of the minority religious group
By Huaiyu Chen — August 28, 2023
(The Conversation) — The Catholic community that Pope Francis will visit later this month has a complex history that goes back to the 13th century, when the Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan.
A retired Wyoming bishop cleared by Vatican of sexual abuse despite local findings has died at 91
By Associated Press — August 25, 2023
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared him of seven accusations of abuse and determined that five others couldn't be proven with certainty.
Civil case over Cardinal Pell abuse allegations allowed to proceed against church in Australia
By Rod Mcguirk — August 25, 2023
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian court on Friday allowed a civil case to proceed against a Catholic archdiocese involving child sex abuse allegations against late Cardinal George Pell.
Artificial intelligence program poised to shake up Catholic education, doctrine
By Claire Giangravé — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — Magisterium AI uses artificial intelligence technology to provide information for users on everything relating to Catholic doctrine, teachings and Canon law.
Nicaraguan government bans Jesuit order and says all its property will be confiscated
By Associated Press — August 24, 2023
MEXICO CITY (AP) — It was the latest in a series of increasingly authoritarian actions by the Nicaraguan government against the Catholic Church and opposition figures.
Sheriff seeking phone records between Alabama priest and 18-year-old woman who fled to Europe
By Associated Press — August 23, 2023
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Alex Crow, a Catholic priest in south Alabama, left the country in late July with the 18-year-old woman, authorities in south Alabama said.
Robert Jones’ new book roots white supremacy in 500-year-old papal decree
By Yonat Shimron — August 22, 2023
(RNS) — The Doctrine of Discovery shaped the way America’s white, European Christian settlers saw themselves and their mission and gave rise to uncontrollable outbursts of violence.
What does ‘respect life’ really mean?
By Phyllis Zagano — August 22, 2023
(RNS) — There is an angry selectivity when it comes to life issues.
Conservative cardinal predicts Synod on Synodality could lead to schism
By Claire Giangravé — August 22, 2023
(RNS) — Cardinal Raymond Burke is considered a leading voice among Catholic conservatives and papal critics.
Potential new rivalries in Big 12 with BYU becoming league’s 3rd private Christian school
By Stephen Hawkins — August 22, 2023
(AP) — There can be commonality among fans from such schools, even of different denominations, in valuing what religion adds to higher education, said Northern Kentucky professor Joe Cobbs, an expert in sports rivalries.
Pope Francis calls for peaceful end to the Niger crisis
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — He called on the international community “to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible, for the good of all.”
A former New York bishop who promoted social justice, but covered up rape allegations, dies at 84
By Associated Press — August 22, 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Hubbard passed away at Albany Medical Center on Saturday after being hospitalized for the stroke days prior, bishop spokesperson Mark Behan confirmed.
Attacks against Palestinian Christians deepens determination to stay on the land
By Daoud Kuttab — August 21, 2023
(RNS) — Palestinian Christians are doing their utmost to encourage their cohort to stay put on their lands.
