Abuse report from Focolare leaves many questions unanswered (National Catholic Reporter)
The Focolare Movement, founded during World War II by the Servant of God Chiara Lubich (1920-2008), published a report in March on sexual abuse and the abuse of power within the movement.
Accused French priest commits suicide (CNA)
Father Benjamin Sellier, a French priest ordained in 2015, committed suicide after being accused of sexually assaulting a girl. French media reported that a letter was found near his body in which he admitted the abuse. “Our diocese is going through a tragic ordeal with the death of Father Benjamin Sellier,” said Archbishop Vincent Dollmann […]
Man arrested in attack on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton shrine at Manhattan parish (CNA)
The New York Post reported that an “unhinged man” donned priestly vestments before breaking into the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Seton Shrine in Manhattan. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has documented over 250 acts of vandalism, arson, and other destruction at parishes and other Catholic sites in the United […]
Cardinal-designate Aguiar discusses planning for World Youth Day (National Catholic Register)
Auxiliary Bishop Américo Alves Aguiar of Lisbon, 49, is the chief organizer of World Youth Day, which will take place in Lisbon in August. The prelate, among the 21 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis, sparked controversy when he said that “we don’t want to convert young people to Christ.”
Papal visit to Mongolia will thrill tiny Catholic community, cardinal says (Reuters)
“The reaction of both the Catholic community and the larger local community was of great wonder and joy and something thrilling,” Cardinal Giorgio Marengo of Ulaanbaatar said of the Pope’s upcoming apostolic journey to Mongolia. “It’s gradually becoming more evident how important and meaningful this visit will be.”
Catholic universities pledge to embrace AI ethically
Eight Catholic universities from across the globe wrap up a two-day conference in Milan, and develop a five-year strategy to educate young people and pursue research about the social impact of artificial intelligence. Read all
St. Camillus devoted his life to tending the poor and sick in Rome’s streets
St. Camillus’ life was marked by his courageous tending of the sick, despite his own debilitating ailments, and the working of miracles.
St. Elsewhere: Italy’s New Religion of the Internet
In March, Beppe Grillo, a comedian previously best-known for founding the anti-establishment Italian political Five Star Movement, appeared onstage in Rome to announce a sudden change of career—he had now decided to found his own religion, too. “Why can’t I create a Church?” he asked his sell-out crowd, which included the nation’s former prime minister […]
The Trans Controversy: American Bishops Face a Divided Nation and a Divided Church
In a recent essay, Providence College theology professor Paul Gondreau argues that many bishops believe that the prudential course to take in addressing our culture’s descent into moral degeneracy is to ignore it. Although the USCCB produced a fine document three months ago about the moral limits of medical intervention for those seeking transgender procedures, […]
Jane Birkin and religion: “I love you… me not anymore”
The recently deceased British-French actress and singer grew up Anglican, but confessed that she once considered converting to Judaism; except she felt she had “never had faith”