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Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Fact-Checking the ‘New Yorker’

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Men, Abortion and Healing the Hidden Struggle

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Bishop Bätzing will not run for reelection as German bishops' conference president (Hessenschau.de)

Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, a leading proponent of Germany’s controversial Synodal Way, announced that he will not run for another term as chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference.

The prelate has held the position since 2020.

The dissident group We Are Church lamented his decision, describing it as a “bitter setback.”

Jerusalem Patriarchs criticize 'Christian Zionism' (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem)

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem said in a statement that “recent activities undertaken by local individuals who advance damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism, mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock.”

“The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem reiterate that they alone represent the Churches and their flock in matters pertaining to Christian religious, communal, and pastoral life in the Holy Land,” the Christian leaders added.

EU bishops call for 'just' ecological transition that protects human dignity, work, communities (COMECE)

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU (COMECE) has released a position paper, “A Just Transition that protects Human Dignity, Work and Communities.”

“Europe’s commitment to ecological transformation is both necessary and urgent,” COMECE stated. “At the same time, it raises profound social, economic and ethical questions.”

COMECE warned that “among workers in Europe’s industrial regions, a recurring concern is whether this transition will leave them behind and whether their children will be forced to leave their home regions in search of decent work.”

“Only a transition that is humane, inclusive and socially just will be able to unite Europe and secure lasting support for the ecological transformation needed for the common good,” COMECE concluded.

Vatican diplomat calls for effective prevention, punishment of crimes against humanity (Holy See Mission)

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, called for the “development of effective measures” to prevent and punish crimes against humanity.

Addressing a UN committee on January 19, Archbishop Caccia said that the “the duty to prevent and counter crimes against humanity rests first and foremost” with individual nations.

“At the same time, international cooperation plays an indispensable complementary role, both in addressing the transnational dimensions of such crimes and in supporting those States that lack the capacity to fulfill their obligations effectively,” he said.

Imitate the Samaritan's compassion, Pope writes in message for World Day of the Sick (Dicastery for Communication)

The Vatican has released Pope Leo’s Message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, commemorated on February 11 (background).

The Pope’s message, dated January 13 and released January 20, is entitled “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain.” The message has three parts:

  • The gift of encounter: the joy of offering closeness and presence
  • The shared mission of caring for the sick
  • Always driven by love for God, to encounter ourselves and our neighbor

“I genuinely hope that our Christian lifestyle will always reflect this fraternal, ‘Samaritan’ spirit—one that is welcoming, courageous, committed and supportive, rooted in our union with God and our faith in Jesus Christ,” Pope Leo said. “Enkindled by this divine love, we will surely be able to give of ourselves for the good of all who suffer, especially our brothers and sisters who are sick, elderly or afflicted.”

Pope, in letter, marks 1200th anniversary of St. Ansgar's evangelizing mission in Denmark (CWN)

Pope Leo XIV has written a Latin-language letter commemorating the 1200th anniversary of the beginning of St. Ansgar‘s evangelizing mission in Denmark.

Cardinal Czerny: Gospel, Pope Leo call us to 'real' encounters with the sick (CWN)

At a press conference presenting Pope Leo XIV’s message for the upcoming World Day of the Sick (video), Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, contrasted fleeting online encounters with the “real” encounters to which Christ and Pope Leo call us.

Pope Leo XIV Meets FSSP Leaders Amid Visitation, ‘Traditionis Custodes’ Fallout

cna