Catholicism
At the Catholic Church’s worldwide synod, the deacons are missing
By Phyllis Zagano — July 21, 2023
(RNS) — Many if not most Catholics think women deacons are called for.
Prosecutor cites risky investments as ‘grave’ violations, in closing of Vatican financial case
By Nicole Winfield — July 20, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi opened two weeks of hearings to summarize his case by accusing officials in the Vatican secretariat of state of committing “grave violations” of internal norms and canon law.
Cardinal says the pope’s visit to Mongolia’s tiny Catholic community will show his dedication
By Nicole Winfield — July 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis’ Aug. 31-Sept. 4 visit will take him to a country sandwiched between China and Russia at a time of Vatican tensions with both
Biden to meet with pope’s Ukraine peace envoy, with the plight of children top of cardinal’s agenda
By Nicole Winfield and Zeke Miller — July 19, 2023
ROME (AP) — White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden would meet with Zuppi on Tuesday to “discuss the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine."
77 faith groups get total of $92 million for innovative faith programs for children
By Adelle M. Banks — July 18, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Whether it's fragmentation, technological advances or spirituality, we need to refresh the traditional approaches to our faith,’ said one grant recipient.
Francis now has the cardinals he needs for the next conclave. Is it enough?
By Thomas Reese — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — The College of Cardinals has never been so diverse — or unpredictable.
Pope Francis’ cardinal appointments emphasize unity ahead of synod
By Claire Giangravé — July 13, 2023
(RNS) — Though the latest crop of cardinals represents a wide array of countries and experiences, they all have an easily traceable thread of reconciliation and unity on their resumes.
Oak trusses raised to roof of fire-ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral as crowds watch along the Seine
By Associated Press — July 12, 2023
PARIS (AP) — A crane hoisted massive oak trusses from a barge and onto Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday in a spectacular operation to rebuild the fire-ravaged monument and bring it back to life by December 2024. With trusses weighing 7 to 7.5 tons, the delicate operation drew crowds along a bridge over the Seine […]
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.
