German bishops are divided sharply over implementing blessing guidelines for same-sex couples, with a comprehensive survey by katholisch.de revealing stark divisions across the country’s 27 dioceses, three months after the publication of the controversial pastoral handout. Five dioceses — Cologne, Augsburg, Eichstätt, Passau, and Regensburg — have explicitly refused to implement the handout, all referencing the Vatican’s…
As officials carry out mass deportations across the United States, Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, is criticising the Trump administration’s policy of deporting “as many immigrants as possible” without “distinguishing between true criminals and law-abiding persons”. In a recent statement addressing Catholics in his diocese, Bishop Brennan said “some of you have told me that…
Pop icon Madonna asks the Pope to travel to Gaza. He is the only one who cannot be refused entry. The appeal is also read in the Vatican – but probably has no chance of success. The US-American singer Madonna (66) has made an unusual appeal to her fellow generation member and compatriot Pope Leo…
Catholic bishops are defending Muslim festivals in Spain and are against a ban being pushed by right-wing populists. They see religious freedom in danger. Now the Vox party is reacting to the criticism. Spain’s right-wing populists from the Vox party are outraged by the Catholic Church’s criticism of the party’s stance on Islam. Vox leader…
Pastor Pawel Nowak has often demonstrated his stamina for a good cause. His biggest project to date: cycling to the Pope in three days for children with cancer. He managed it – with a small course correction “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to shave.” Pawel Nowak grins mischievously into the Roman evening sun, his hands resting…
It was the work of the Holy Spirit: Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius talks about the papal election and his impressions of Leo XIV and why he hopes for peace, dialogue and unity. His participation in the election of the new Pope was a privilege and a grace for him: Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius explained in…
From northern Germany to Rome by road bike – in just three days? And without sleep? You have to be pretty crazy to do that. Or have a goal, like Pastor Pawel Nowak. Pawel Nowak (39), a Catholic “racing bike pastor” from Bremen, arrived in St Peter’s Square on Tuesday evening – after around 90…
[Link to the Full Report] The Government is facing growing pressure to explain why it continues to demand €26.2 million from the Legion of Mary to contribute to the Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme. The Department of Children is sticking to its position despite the assets of the Legion being worth less than 10%…
Catholics from abroad who “have lived the Faith in different ways” can enrich the Church in Ireland and help the synodal process, the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly has said. In a wide-ranging interview with The Irish Catholic, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA warned against “people who have a certain perspective on our brothers and sisters…
“People must remain hopeful” said Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine ahead of the Knock Novena taking place from August 13 to 21. “That’s the whole point of the Jubilee year, that we are ‘pilgrims of hope’”, which is also the theme for this year’s Novena. “We’re hopeful in our faith that…
Chai Brady
Renata Steffens