Catholic Church Archives - Page 9 of 25

Catholic Church

German Catholic archbishop offers to resign from office after abuse report findings

March 19, 2021

Archbishop Stefan Hesse of Hamburg made his brief declaration live on YouTube March 18, saying: “I am of the firm conviction that taking responsibility is part of our duty to actively deal with this dark chapter in the best possible way and to move towards a better future for everyone, first and foremost for the victims themselves.”

Pope Francis: Keep praying for ‘our sorely tried brothers and sisters’ in Iraq

March 10, 2021

He said that by visiting Iraq, he had fulfilled a dream of his predecessor Pope John Paul II, who had hoped to mark the turn of the millennium with a journey “in the footsteps of Abraham,” but was unable to travel to the ancient city of Ur.

Head of German Catholic bishops: ‘I do not deny Communion to a Protestant who asks for it’

February 26, 2021

Bishop Georg Bätzing told journalists at a press conference on Feb. 25 that it was necessary to respect the “personal decision of conscience” of those seeking to receive Communion.

Catholic leaders urge EU to be guided by solidarity in vaccine distribution

February 23, 2021

In a joint statement Feb. 23, Caritas Europa and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU (COMECE) said that “commitment to solidarity must be the decisive criterion in this historic moment.”

Council for the Economy discusses 2021 Vatican budget

February 18, 2021

According to a press release, the virtual assembly focused on the Holy See’s annual budget for the current year, presented by Spanish layman Maximino Caballero Ledo, who was appointed to the number two position in the Secretariat for the Economy in August.

The Rome church where you can venerate St. Valentine’s skull

February 14, 2021

Known as the patron saint of couples for his defense of Christian marriage, St. Valentine was martyred by decapitation on Feb. 14. He is also the inspiration behind the modern-day celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Accused priest asserts innocence at Vatican seminary abuse hearing

February 11, 2021

“These are unfounded accusations,” Fr. Gabriele Martinelli said during two hours of questioning in a Vatican courtroom on Feb. 10.

Pope Francis adds feast of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus to Church calendar

February 02, 2021

The memorial of St. Martha was already included on Jan. 29 in the General Roman Calendar before the Second Vatican Council, but St. Lazarus and St. Mary had been originally left off due to uncertainty about the identity of Mary Magdalene. The decree explained that these uncertainties “have been resolved in recent studies and times,” and pointed out that Mary and Lazarus are already commemorated on July 29 in the Roman Martyrology, the Church’s official catalog of martyrs and saints.