The decision, in a letter on Catholic life in remote Amazon areas, is a victory for conservative forces who had warned that change there would put the church on a slippery slope.
Tag: Roman Catholic Church
French Cardinal Acquitted of Abuse Cover-Up on Appeal
Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the archbishop of Lyon, had been found guilty last year of failing to report a priest in his diocese who had admitted to sexually abusing dozens of Boy Scouts.
Two Popes, and One Big Furor After Benedict Weighs in on Priestly Celibacy
In a new book, the former pope makes a firm defense of celibacy for priests as Pope Francis is expected to decide whether to allow married priests in remote regions. Let the intrigue begin.
Do-gooder or ‘Devil’? A Friar’s Work Divides a Venezuelan Village
Venezuela’s government opposes the Rev. Nelson Sandoval and some in his neglected Indigenous village see him as a know-it-all, but to many, he’s a lifeline.
Nicaragua Has a Simple Message for Protesters: Don’t
For nearly two years, Nicaraguans have been rising up against their government. It has cost some dearly.
Pope Francis, in Christmas Speech, Urges Nations to Tend to Refugees
In his traditional holiday benediction, Francis renewed his call to resolve conflicts and to help those who have fled them.
Pope Francis Abolishes Secrecy Policy in Sexual Abuse Cases
Church officials can now share information with secular law enforcement authorities. Critics said the confidentiality rule led to the concealment of abuse.
Johann Baptist Metz, Theologian of Compassion, Dies at 91
One of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century, he challenged his fellow German Catholics to face the reality of Auschwitz.
German Catholic Church Debates Sexuality, Celibacy and Women’s Roles
With the German church’s global influence, a meeting of bishops and laypeople to take up hot-button topics has led to warnings of a new schism, originating in the home of the Protestant Reformation.
2 Priests Convicted in Argentina of Sexual Abuse of Deaf Children
The priests at a now-shuttered school in Mendoza were each sentenced to more than 40 years in prison; a former gardener was sentenced to 18 years.