The German Cardinal Walter Kasper is in favour of a women’s diaconate in the Catholic Church – and believes further reforms are necessary. “In my personal opinion, opening up the permanent diaconate to women has good theological arguments in its favour and would be a sensible pastoral step,” writes the 92-year-old in his autobiography. “Women…
The long-serving Cardinal Walter Kasper has condemned the USA’s treatment of migrants. Every Christian party must be aware of the importance of migration, he says, also with regard to Germany. Cardinal Walter Kasper has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump. “In my opinion, the way in which the current President of the USA is dealing…
The new pope’s early academic work reveals a theological approach to authority, community and church order. Decades before his election as pope, Leo XIV – as Augustinian Robert Prevost – developed a theological vision of ecclesiastical authority and community. Today, it allows us to draw conclusions about his leadership style as head of the Catholic…
A strange dispute has broken out in the diocese of Salamanca over the handling of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Spain’s patron saint. The reason for this is the reinterment of her badly decomposed body for public veneration – an occasion last seen in 1914. Despite the lively response in the Alba de Tormes Basilica,…
How did Pope Leo XIV become a social media star in just a few days? Media experts explain why his pictures are no coincidence and what we can expect from him in the future. “It was perfect,” says historian René Schlott. He reviews the conclave and the first appearances of Pope Leo XIV. Schlott has…
Leading politicians in the European Union repeatedly claim that they want to show more consideration for the interests of the African population. The reality is different, criticise bishops from several countries. European and African bishops accuse the EU of misusing Africa as a “dumping ground” for its own ecological goals. “We are particularly concerned about…
An end to the Gaza war is essential, says Patriarch Pizzaballa. Perhaps, he hopes, US President Trump’s visit to the Middle East could bring about a turnaround and avert a humanitarian tragedy. According to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, an end to the war in the Gaza Strip is urgently needed, but…
“Everyone is speculating and quoting ‘sources’ that have nothing to do with the facts,” complains a cardinal who was present at the conclave. That is why he is now calling for an end to secrecy in the Vatican. The Serbian Cardinal Ladislav Nemet has called for an end to the secrecy surrounding the papal election.…
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…