Irish Synod report urges ‘dogma-altering’ changes (Irish Times)

A report sent to the Vatican by the Catholic bishops of Ireland, summarizing discussions in preparation for the Synod on Synodality, calls for sharp changes in the Church’s approach to homosexuality, divorce and remarriage, and priestly celibacy. In a cover letter accompanying the report, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh says that the discussions highlighted “many […]

Vatican’s top communications official sees misuse of internet (CNS)

The prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication has recommended that journalists and publicists “make a personal and collective examination of conscience” to assess how they are using the internet. “How is it possible to be simultaneously hyper-connected and terribly alone,” Paolo Ruffini asked in a speech to a conference in Seoul, South Korea. He […]

Nicaraguan police force priest to celebrate Mass outside church (CNA)

Police officers forced a Catholic priest to celebrate Mass outside a parish church in Nicaragua on August 16, as they sought to arrest the pastor for allegedly conspiring against the government. The incident occurred in the Matagalpa diocese, where Bishop Rolando Alvarez remains under house arrest, with his residence surrounded by police.

California church wins appeal against lockdown fines (AP)

A Protestant church in California has won a court appeal against more than $200,000 in fines that were imposed because the church violated state and country restrictions on public meetings during the Covid lockdown. Calvary Chapel San Jose had been held in contempt for violating the rules. But the appeals court found that the ban […]

Pope speaks at audience on ‘wisdom of dying’ (Vatican News)

Pope Francis resumed his series of talks on old age at his weekly public audience on August 17, speaking about “the wisdom of dying.” “Death is certainly a difficult passage from life,” the Pope said; “but it is also one that concludes the time of uncertainty and throws away the clock. For the beautiful part […]