He is more important to the Pope than many a curial cardinal: his nurse Strappetti, who saved his life. Since the Pope’s serious lung disease, he has been more visible than ever. And makes decisions. When Pope Francis appeared in public for a few minutes on 23 March and 6 April, a man in a…
Victims of abuse can now visit the pilgrimage site of Lourdes without coming into contact with the works of artist and ex-Jesuit priest, Marko Rupnik. His mosaics in the French pilgrimage site have been covered up. Rupnik is accused by at least 20 women of having seduced and sexually exploited them. “It seemed to me…
A new study by Poland’s Church Statistics Institute reveals that Catholic clergy increasingly face aggression. Of 614 priests surveyed, half reported experiencing hostility in the past year. Common forms included mockery, threats, and online abuse, with 4% facing physical attacks. Nearly 20% noted attacks on churches or religious sites, and 15% reported disruptions during services.…
In parts of the devastated earthquake regions of Myanmar, ongoing attacks by the military are hampering the deployment of aid workers. The military government rejects a temporary ceasefire in the civil war country. According to local media (Wednesday), junta leader Min Aung Hlaing emphasised that the “necessary defence operations” would continue. Myanmar’s democratic underground government…
People in Odessa report on everyday life which is now the fourth year of war The Russian attack on Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Three years later, there is still no peace in sight. Those affected in the port city of Odessa talk about how they are dealing with the ongoing threat. “Everything is…
Sexual abuse in the ranks of the Catholic Church is so preoccupying Belgian society that thousands of people are turning away – by being “de-baptised”. In Belgium, more than 14,000 people turned their backs on the Catholic Church in 2023 – more than ever before. This was announced by the Church in a recent annual…
In Belgium, the Pope asked for forgiveness for the abuse and cover-up scandal that rocked the country. At the same time, he condemned abortion – using not new, but harsh words. And this is having an effect. Pope Francis’ harsh words against abortion have apparently triggered a diplomatic crisis between Belgium and the Vatican. Belgium’s…
Sabine Kleyboldt (KNA) It took Bernini nine years to create his first work of art in St Peter’s Basilica. It will have taken a good nine months to free the bronze canopy from the dust of the centuries. Then visitors will be rubbing their eyes. The excitement is growing: the huge grey cuboid in the…
Inga Kilian The mosaics by the controversial Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik in the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes will not be removed from the basilica for the time being. Although he is convinced that they will have to be removed one day, the Bishop of Lourdes, Jean-Marc Micas, told the French newspaper “La Croix” (Tuesday…
German development aid is under scrutiny. But Bill Gates has a clear opinion on the matter: The money from Germany saves many lives. Frankfurt (KNA) Bill Gates (68) has taken up the cudgels in favour of development cooperation. “The fact is that development cooperation – if implemented correctly – can do an incredible amount of…