Vatican diplomat: Health is a universal right, not a consumer good (Holy See Mission)
Addressing the 77th World Health Assembly, a leading Vatican diplomat emphasized that “health is not a consumer good, but rather a universal right, and therefore access to healthcare services cannot be a privilege.” Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, said that “it is […]
Vatican foreign minister warns we are heading towards hyper-individualized, Hobbesian society (L’Osservatore Romano (Italian))
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, delivered a lecture at the Croatian Catholic University and warned that society in heading toward the “state of nature” about which the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes wrote—one in which homo homini lupus [man is a wolf to man]. In “The […]
When does a marriage ‘lack proper form’ in canon law, and can a lay person perform intinction themselves?
Q: A divorced, annulled Catholic friend of mine recently got engaged to another divorced Catholic, who said her previous marriage was ruled “lacks proper form” by the church. What does this mean? Are they able to marry in the Catholic Church? (Indiana) A: Even as a canon lawyer, it’s impossible to draw firm conclusions about […]
Estonia: Catholic cententary a chance to celebrate triumph of martyrs
As the Apostolic Administration of Estonia prepares to celebrate its centenary this year, Bishop Philippe Jourdan recalls the challenges his flock endured over several decades of Soviet rule and the hopes Catholics entertain for their Church’s future. Read all
Pope Francis: An encounter with a migrant is an encounter with Christ
In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis invites us to see migrations as a sign of the times and as a symbol of the Church’s pilgrimage throughout history. Read all
New Argentine ambassador lauds Pontiff, hopes for papal visit to homeland (La Nación)
Luis Pablo María Beltramino, the new Argentine ambassador to the Holy See, presented his credentials to Pope Francis on May 31. The career diplomat described the encounter as “very warm and jovial.” Asked about the prospect of a papal visit to his homeland, the ambassador said that the Pope “is already invited. We hope he […]
A doctor and a researcher felt called to pastoral care. Now they’re Paulist priests.
Chris Lawton was a medical doctor. Dan Macalinao was a biological researcher. The two are now also the newest Paulist priests. They told NCR about their winding spiritual journeys that bent toward a love of pastoral care.
Synthesis for the synod captures tensions, hopes of US church
It is clear that the synodal process is the most, perhaps the only, viable model for ecclesial governance that seeks to overcome this highly polarized moment in the life of both the nation and the church.
Center founded by Daughters of Charity aids single mothers and children in DC area
First established in 1860 to house orphaned, abused and neglected children, St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families now provides numerous supportive services for single mothers, children and families.
Vietnam’s religions mark ‘Laudato Si’ ‘ anniversary with discussions on environmental care
Religions can make contributions to environmental care by inspiring their members to recognize their common responsibility for the Earth and take action to conserve and maintain natural resources for future generations, said one speaker.