Communion
Pope Francis says church must welcome divorced, remarried Catholics
By David Gibson — August 5, 2015
(RNS) Speaking out on one of the most contentious issues of his papacy, Pope Francis said such couples “are not excommunicated, and they absolutely must not be treated that way!”
Pope: Marital separation can be ‘morally necessary’ to protect kids
By Rosie Scammell — June 24, 2015
(RNS) Francis' comments came as part of a wide reflection on conflicts within families -- “the most ugly thing!” -- during which he focused on the lifelong damage wrought on children whose parents fight.
Bishop’s rant on summer church slobs: ‘Sacred space or airport terminal?’
By David Gibson — June 16, 2015
(RNS) Bishop Thomas Tobin has a reputation for being outspoken. But his recent blast at “the sloppy and even offensive way people dress while attending Mass” in summer was impressive even for him -- and probably welcomed by more than a few pastors.
Pope Francis says he wants all annulments to be free
By David Gibson — January 23, 2015
(RNS) Some U.S. dioceses, which account for nearly half of all annulment cases in the global Catholic Church, no longer charge fees, usually about $400, to obtain an annulment.
Pope Francis suggests no-cost annulments in divorce cases
By Josephine McKenna — November 5, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) “The mother church has so much generosity it could provide justice free of charge," Pope Francis said.
Conservatives insist Vatican isn’t changing teaching on gays or divorced Catholics
By Josephine McKenna — October 14, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In what looked like strenuous damage control, the Vatican’s chief spokesman told a packed media conference Tuesday that this was a “working document, not a final document.”
Conscience vs. authority at Pope Francis’ Synod on the Family (ANALYSIS)
By Jacob Lupfer — October 14, 2014
(RNS) The conflict between conscience and authority is the pre-eminent battle underlying the debates at the Vatican's Synod on the Family.
Vatican stuns Catholic world with greater openness toward gays and lesbians
By Josephine McKenna — October 13, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The document -- and the real or implied changes that may or may not materialize -- stunned church conservatives.
Wisconsin couple to Catholic bishops: The church is failing to address marital issues
By Josephine McKenna — October 7, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Jeff and Alice Heinzen of La Crosse, Wis., told the pope and 180 bishops attending a synod devoted to family issues that they were alarmed by the number of young people born out of wedlock or living with divorced parents.
Pope Francis wanted open debate. With clashing cardinals, he’s got it
By David Gibson — October 2, 2014
(RNS) Throughout the history of the church, apostles and bishops and theologians have often clashed, publicly and sometimes fiercely, to reach a conclusion on the very essentials of the faith.
US Cardinal Raymond Burke mounts defense on Catholic teaching on divorce
By David Gibson — September 30, 2014
(RNS) Public disagreements over whether the Roman Catholic Church can change its teachings on Communion for remarried Catholics are growing sharper on the eve of a major Vatican summit.
Will Catholic bishops annul Pope Francis’ marriage reform initiative?
By Josephine McKenna — September 22, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A bitter clash emerged among cardinals over the church’s approach to marriage, divorce and remarriage, with Pope Francis favoring a way to make it easier for Catholics to seek annulments.
Will the Catholic Church change its stand on marriage and divorce?
By Josephine McKenna — September 17, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a new book to be released days before the world’s Catholic bishops gather at the Vatican, hard-liners are challenging moves to moderate church doctrine on marriage and offer Communion to divorced Catholics who remarry.
Catholic Church must welcome ‘unconventional couples,’ says top Italian bishop
By Josephine McKenna — August 28, 2014
ROME (RNS) The speech by Bishop Nunzio Galantino, an ally of Pope Francis, is the latest salvo in a debate that is heating up ahead of an October meeting of the world's top bishops to discuss the church's policies toward today's families.
Football player Israel Idonije tackles expanding his Communion business
By Heather Adams — July 2, 2014
(RNS) Human hands never touch Blessed Communion’s product until the consumer opens it like a small medicine cup with a pull-tab, almost eliminating the risk of contamination.
