Award-winning scientist joins Vatican academy Pope Francis has named a pioneering US scientist specialising in stem-cell research to the Pontifical Academy for Sciences. Elaine Fuchs, professor and head of the laboratory of mammalian cell biology and development at The Rockefeller University in New York, was appointed to the papal think tank, according to a Vatican press release. The scientist…
Pope Francis said today that nothing can take away a person’s baptism or the salvation and identity they gain as a child of God, which is why the Church only allows for the sacrament to be administered once. “Baptism is not repeated because it imprints an indelible spiritual sign: This sign is never erased by…
Pope Francis has criticised bishops who are too busy for their people and more interested in foreign travel poointments rather than the work of shepherding the diocese. In his homily at the Vatican this morning the Pontiff reflected on what makes a genuine bishop, stressing the qualities of watchfulness, closeness and being involved in the…
After meeting Pope Francis three survivors of clergy sexual abuse from Chile said they felt they had been heard, and were hopeful for changes in how the Church handles accusations of abuse. “I spoke for more than two and a half hours alone with Pope Francis. He listened to me with great respect, affection and…
The apparent forced resignation of the Catholic chaplain who tends to the spiritual needs of the US House of Representatives has drawn criticism against the Speaker of the House. Earlier in April, news trickled out that Fr Patrick Conroy[pictured] was set to retire in May, but various news outlets in late April began reporting that…
Calling for continued collaboration between the leaders of North and South Korea, Pope Francis said he is praying that their courageous commitment may achieve “a path of sincere dialogue for a Korean Peninsula that is free of nuclear weapons”. Speaking after the Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope hailed the positive outcome of Friday’s Inter-Korean Summit and said he…
Nigeria’s bishops have condemned repeated killings of innocent Nigerians by suspected ethnic militias in northeastern Nigeria and said President Muhammadu Buhari should resign if he can’t keep the country safe. The bishops condemned the murder of two priests and their parishioners during the celebration of Mass, at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Ayer Mbalom. Attackers…
Poland’s bishops said they no longer have enough clergy to minister to Polish people living abroad and urged emigrant Catholics to integrate more with the Church in other countries. “Even with a very large group of Polish priests, it isn’t possible to reach in a timely way every place where Poles are found,” said the…
Vatican watchdog reports ongoing progress in oversight The Vatican’s financial watchdog agency has reported continued progress in oversight, reporting and cooperation in its efforts to prevent suspected money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In its annual report for 2017, the Financial Intelligence Authority (AIF) confirmed a “robust reporting system and an effective application of the regulatory framework of the Holy…
In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis has appointed three female academics as consultants to the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog, paving the way for women to have a more integral role in the Church’s central administration. The Vatican announced on April 21 that the Pontiff had named three women and two priests as consultants to the Congregation…