Catholicism

‘Trinity’s Triumph’ film, written by New Jersey priest, humanizes Catholic clergy

By Kathryn Post — February 27, 2024

(RNS) — While reductive narratives depict priests as perfect heroes or evil villains, said writer and producer Stephen Fichter, truth is more complicated.

The Catholic Church needs married priests now

By Thomas Reese — February 26, 2024

(RNS) — At the Last Supper, Jesus said, 'Do this in memory of me.' He did not say, 'Be celibate.'

Anti-immigrant pastors may be drawing attention – but faith leaders, including some evangelicals, are central to the movement to protect migrant rights

By Brad Christerson, Robert Chao Romero, and Alexia Salvatierra — February 26, 2024

(The Conversation) — Religious beliefs can provide motivation, hope and endurance in the long and often discouraging task of mobilizing people for social change.

German bishops to head to Rome after Vatican demands they scrap a vote on contentious lay council

By Nicole Winfield and Geir Moulson — February 26, 2024

ROME (AP) — A regular meeting of the German Bishops’ Conference this week had been expected to vote on the statutes of a committee that would have prepared for the future council.

Mexican church officials have helped arrange a truce between 2 warring drug cartels

By Fabiola SÁnchez — February 26, 2024

MEXICO CITY (AP) —This is the latest in a series of attempts by bishops and priests to get cartels to talk to each other in hopes of reducing bloody turf battles.

Catholics rally around Annunciation House after lawsuit

By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 23, 2024

RNS — 'Our church, our city and our country owe Annunciation House a deep debt of gratitude,' El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz wrote in a statement.

Backlash to trans activist’s St. Patrick’s funeral reveals deep fault lines

By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 23, 2024

(RNS) — Both Cecilia Gentili’s friends and family and Cardinal Timothy Dolan said they felt 'disrespect' from the other group.

Alabama’s ruling puts the rights of the vulnerable above convenience of the powerful

By Charles C. Camosy — February 23, 2024

(RNS) — We should do what's right for its own sake, not because it's the most convenient.

Belarus cracks down on clergy who supported protests of its authoritarian leader

By Yuras Karmanau — February 23, 2024

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — In the last three years, at least 74 clergy have been arrested, fined or deported, according to the Viasna human rights center, even before the new law took effect.

At National Cathedral, leaders of different parties, perspectives call for civility

By Adelle M. Banks — February 22, 2024

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore spoke about their participation in the ‘Disagree Better’ project and noted their efforts to seek bipartisan solutions.

Retired Catholic bishop charged with sexual offenses in northwest Australia

By Rod Mcguirk — February 22, 2024

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Vatican investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against Saunders began in 2022.

Woman who says she was abused spiritually and sexually by a once-famous Jesuit demands transparency

By Nicole Winfield — February 22, 2024

ROME (AP) — The Jesuits kicked Marko Rupnik out of the order last year after he refused to respond to allegations of spiritual, psychological and sexual abuses by about 20 women.

Texas attorney general moves to shut down Catholic migrant shelters

By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — February 21, 2024

RNS — The lawsuit from Ken Paxton’s office ‘seeks to revoke Annunciation House’s authorization to do business in Texas and asks the court to appoint a receiver to liquidate their assets.’

Nuns alleging abuse by former Jesuit Marko Rupnik plead with Francis for investigation

By Claire Giangravé — February 21, 2024

(RNS) — Disgraced Jesuit and famed artist Marko Rupnik is accused of abusing 20 of the 41 women in the religious community he founded.

Ex-Catholics in Rome reconnect with roots, spirituality in paganism