Russell Shaw Cardinal Robert Prevost has selected the name Pope Leo XIV, an apparent nod to Pope Leo XIII, who deserves to be called the founding father of Catholic social doctrine in modern times, with his encyclical Rerum Novarum as its foundational document. The Catholic Church has taught social morality for many centuries. This body of teaching includes…
Ann Marie Foley Ardfinnan has seen nothing but change in recent years. Yet in the rural parish somehow everything continues – sacraments from birth to death, celebrations of birthdays, weddings, and prayer – most recently in front of the Carlos Acutis shrine. The combined parishes of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Grange, Newcastle, Fourmilewater, Touraneena and The Nire,…
Acts 14:21-27 Apocalypse 21:1-5 John 13:31-33,34-35 It is becoming increasingly evident that religious objects, such as crosses and holy medals, are not only symbols of people’s faith but are also often incorporated into jewellery or decorative items. Instead of being signs that communicate one’s identity and serve as sources of strength and direction in…
Naturally enough, journalists covering the Vatican tend to seek out figures in the system from their own countries or language groups. French speakers seek out the French, Spanish speakers the Spaniards and Latin Americans, the Italians gravitate to their paesani, and, by the same logic, Americans are drawn to fellow Americans. Thus it was that when…
What will happen to the World Synod project under the new Pope? How will it continue in practical terms and in terms of content? In an unusual letter, the Synod Secretariat outlines its hopes and wishes to Leo XIV. The Secretariat responsible for the World Synod in Rome hopes that Pope Leo XIV will lead…
Catholic bishops and lay people from all over Germany are once again discussing reform projects at the Synodal Committee. They are hoping for a tailwind for the reform project from the recently elected new Pope Leo XIV. The leaders of the reform dialogue on the future of the Catholic Church in Germany see the new…
Martin Luther, Gregor Mendel and Abraham a Sancta Clara also came from the order founded by the new pope in 1256. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to come from the Augustinian order, a Catholic order rich in tradition with a history of more than 750 years. The Ordo Fratrum Sancti Augustini (OSA) goes…
Jesus said: “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice.” We’re exhausted – as individuals and as a society. Stress, anxiety, overwork and overwhelm are everywhere. Speaking to those in the medical profession lately I was told that these are the most common complaints leading to exhaustion and sick leave. As a friend…
I am writing this article while in Rome on Dominican business. By the time you read it, not only will I be back in Ireland, but there may very well be a new pope. As you can imagine there is only one topic of conversation in the city, be it in a shop, taxi, restaurant,…
Nicolas Cage has been flying under the radar for so many years now we could be forgiven for forgetting just how great an actor he is. With two Oscar nominations in his quiver (one converted) and a plethora of other awards, his career should be the envy of many more hyped talents. Fighting off charges…
Fr Dominik Domagala
John L. Allen Jr.
Fr John McCarthy
Aubrey Malone