A Storm Is Coming When Benedict Dies
Perhaps you can relate to the following scenario. It is often the case that families are dysfunctional, even if well-intentioned and not altogether bad. But, fallen human nature being what it is, the relationships between siblings and relatives are complex and often contentious. Never is this dysfunction more apparent than during a crisis (which is […]
2022 in Pictures: For Francis and the Vatican, a Big, Noisy, Uneven Year
ROME – From health challenges to curial reform, from war to diplomacy, from fresh abuse crises to church persecution and the potential death of his predecessor, 2022 has been a big, noisy, and uneven year for Pope Francis and the Vatican. Not only has the pontiff faced some of his most limiting health problems yet […]
A Year of Reading: 2022, Part 2
Oh, my! So many titles still remaining to be mentioned. (And many more that could justifiably be included.) Happy reading, and all best wishes for the new year. (Keep an eye out for Jennifer Reeser’s book of poems, Strong Feather , due in March from Able Muse Press.) Continue Reading »
First Things Is Good for the Jews
Resist junk food journalism. Support journalism that nourishes the mind and soul by contributing to our year-end campaign today. Continue Reading »
2022: Our Year in Books
We asked some of our writers to contribute a paragraph about the most memorable books they read this year. Continue Reading »
Russo-Ukraine War Wound Reopens, China Cracks Down and Queen Elizabeth Departs
Elisabeth Fürst YEAR IN REVIEW: World Report
The Global Threats to Religious Freedom
Oswaldo Rivas A woman prays during a mass at the Matagalpa Cathedral in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, on August 19, 2022. A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: As 2022 ends, Christians in some countries are facing increasingly dire acts of state-sponsored persecution.
Prayers and emotion in ailing ex-Pope Benedict’s German home region (AFP)
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New Ohio law focuses on Zoom-bombing and other disruptions of religious services (Religion Clause)
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Citing fatigue, French bishop announces 6-month sabbatical (Le Journal du Centre)
Bishop Thierry Brac de la Perrière, 63, has governed the Diocese of Nevers (map) since 2011. He said that he asked the Pope for a sabbatical because of fatigue and approaching “burnout”: “I need a time of rest, a spiritual reprise … to be able to better perform my duties.”