Vatican maze: Retracing the path of sex abuse accountability proposals
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Recent exchanges in the media between the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a former member of a papal advisory commission have highlighted a lack of clarity and transparency when it comes to finding better ways to make bishops and religious superiors more accountable for how they handle allegations of sexual abuse.
Pope Francis gives life to married priests debate
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterPope Francis’ apparent openness to a discussion about ordaining married men to serve as priests in remote communities has heartened and encouraged at least one Canadian bishop.
Shady business deals that threaten employment a 'grave sin,' Pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Employers who make business deals that threaten people's livelihood commit a sin that robs men, women and their families of their dignity, Pope Francis said.
New planets raise old questions
By Emily McFarlan Miller, Religion News ServiceFor millennia, people have gazed into the night sky and wondered, “Are we alone?”
Hear no evil: How culture of resistance may hinder child protection
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – When a child-protection advocate resigned from a papal advisory board in early March, she did so because of growing frustration with persistent resistance and a "toxic" sense of superiority from some in the Roman Curia.
Musicians, pastors voice concerns about current state of sacred music
By Adelaide MenaROME, Italy – Hundreds of musicians and pastors from around the world have signed a document urging parishes and publishers should take care to develop the Church’s rich musical traditions, not discard them.
Pope Francis has some ideas on how to fix the priest shortage
By CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY – In a newly-released interview Pope Francis discussed the shortage of vocations to the priesthood, saying the first response must be prayer. He also mentioned working with youth, the low birthrate, and the ordination of married men.
Pope Francis: Do you read the Bible as often as you check your phone?
By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY – On the first Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis said if we want to fight against the temptation of sin, we must be familiar with the Word of God – treating the Bible more like how we treat our cellphone.
A new generation of Benedict XVI scholars is on the rise in Rome
By Andrea Gagliarducci, CNA/EWTN NewsROME, Italy – The theological legacy of Benedict XVI continues, four years after his pontificate came to an end.
Fasting: Lent's spiritual practice creates space for prayer
By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – There is no getting around fasting during Lent.
Pope Francis' latest prayer video spotlights Christian persecution
By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA/EWTN NewsVATICAN CITY – In his prayer video for March, Pope Francis prays for persecuted Christians, asking for the prayers and aid of the whole Church toward those mistreated on the basis of their beliefs.