Catholicism
The search for gender identity, say trans seekers, brought them closer to God
By Emma Ryan — June 27, 2023
(RNS) — As opposition to recognition for transgender Americans has become politicized, so have clashes between people with transgender identities and faith leaders. But it’s not always the case that faith and transgender don’t mix.
Pope’s peace envoy arrives in Moscow after the short-lived Wagner rebellion
By Nicole Winfield — June 27, 2023
ROME (AP) — It follows Zuppi's visit to Kyiv earlier this month, which the Vatican described as an initiative to try to find paths of peace.
Bishop Strickland subject to Vatican investigation
By Jack Jenkins — June 26, 2023
(RNS) — The investigation, known as an apostolic visitation, comes after years of controversy surrounding Strickland.
Pence calls for his 2024 rivals to back a 15-week federal abortion ban on eve of Dobbs anniversary
By Will Weissert and Michelle L. Price — June 26, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — The exhortation at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual conference amounted to a challenge for the GOP front-runner, Donald Trump.
Catholic Democrats issue new ‘statement of principles’ defending abortion rights
By Jack Jenkins — June 24, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The statement frames abortion as a personal choice in keeping with Catholic teaching regarding freedom of conscience and suggests restrictive abortion laws may violate the separation of church and state.
Abuse experts look to coming synod to promote accountability on abuse
By Claire Giangravé — June 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis’ project to reform power structures in the church might have a strong impact in addressing the clerical sexual abuse crisis.
Vatican document highlights need for concrete steps for women, ‘radical inclusion’ of LGBTQ+
By Associated Press — June 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The document used the terminology “LGBTQ+ persons” rather than the Vatican’s traditional “persons with homosexual tendencies,” suggesting a level of acceptance that Francis ushered in a decade ago with his famous “Who am I to judge” comment.
Convalescing Pope Francis holds talks with Cuba’s president at Vatican
By Associated Press — June 21, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, in his first full week back at the Vatican following abdominal surgery, met on Tuesday with Cuba’s president, part of the Holy See's attention to the communist-led Caribbean island nation.
Mission trips are an evangelical rite of passage for US teens – but why?
By Caroline R. Nagel — June 21, 2023
(The Conversation) — Today’s short-term missionaries continue a long legacy, but in a very different way.
Vatican confirm synod topics will address questions of LGBTQ+ and women deacons
By Claire Giangravé — June 20, 2023
(RNS) — The document addresses inclusivity toward LGBTQ+ faithful, the issue of female ordination and welcoming toward divorced, remarried or polygamous couples.
Cross bequeathed by Pope Benedict XVI is stolen from church in his home region in Germany
By Associated Press — June 20, 2023
BERLIN (AP) — “For the Catholic church, the value of the religious object is not quantifiable,” the police statement said.
The US Catholic bishops’ spring meeting, or Clericalism 101
By Phyllis Zagano — June 16, 2023
(RNS) — Meeting in Florida, the bishops ignore a synod meant to listen to the people.
Bishops begin process that could ban gender-affirming care in Catholic hospitals
By Jack Jenkins — June 16, 2023
(RNS) — The vote doesn't ban gender-affirming care outright but sets in motion a process that could end up barring the practice at Catholic health care facilities.
‘Still alive’: Pope Francis leaves hospital with few signs of slowing down
By Claire Giangravé — June 16, 2023
(RNS) — The 86-year-old pope underwent an abdominal surgery and recovered at the hospital for 10 days.
Pope Francis leaves Rome hospital 9 days after operation; surgeon says ‘he’s better than before’
By Frances D'emilio — June 16, 2023
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Friday was discharged from the Rome hospital where he had abdominal surgery nine days earlier to repair a hernia and remove painful scarring.
