Vatican

Vatican lawyer responds to abuse accusations

As is well known, the tragic issue of sexual abuse has brought criticism of the Holy See, often in the press, and sometimes in the form of legal actions which attempt to show that the Holy See is responsible for abuses committed.

One such case is Doe v. Holy See, which is presently in course in a United States court of first instance in the State of Oregon. Read more »

High Noon: Sun And Moon Guided Prayer Times And Liturgy

Hidden among the paving stones of St. Peter's Square there is a simple clock and calendar. All you need is a sunny day.

The 83-foot stone obelisk in the middle of the square acts as a sundial that can accurately indicate midday and the two solstices thanks to a granite meridian and marble markers embedded in the square. Pope Benedict XVI proudly pointed out the hidden timepiece during an Angelus address he gave on the winter solstice a few years ago. Read more »

Pope Meets Malaysian Prime Minister

Pope Benedict XVI met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Monday at the Papal summer residence at Castel Gandalfo.

In the cordial conversations the positive developments in bilateral relations were discussed, and an agreement was reached to establish diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Holy See. Read more »

Somalia: A Country With No State, No Rights, A Disappearing Church

Slowly but steadily, over the past 21 years, the Catholic Church has been disappearing in Somalia, at least in its structures: all Churches and Church buildings have been destroyed.

Only about 100 Somali Catholics remain in the country, and they are dispersed and prohibited from gathering together. Read more »

Church Not A Social Organization, Pope Reminds Pilgrims

“The Church is not a social or philanthropic organization,” Pope Benedict XVI reminded a group of pilgrims from southern Italy who visited the Vatican on July 2.

“She is the community of God.”

The Holy Father welcomed the pilgrims, from the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, who were led by their Bishop Mario Paciello. Read more »

Pope's Homily On His 60th Anniversary As A Priest

"I no longer call you servants, but friends” (cf. Jn 15:15).

Sixty years on from the day of my priestly ordination, I hear once again deep within me these words of Jesus that were addressed to us new priests at the end of the ordination ceremony by the Archbishop, Cardinal Faulhaber, in his slightly frail yet firm voice.

According to the liturgical practice of that time, these words conferred on the newly-ordained priests the authority to forgive sins. Read more »

Pope Says Moses Mediated For Israel As Christ Mediated For Mankind

Moses was willing to sacrifice himself to God for the sins of the people of Israel, just as Jesus Christ later sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity, Pope Benedict XVI said.

In his weekly audience June 1 in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict said that the intercession of Moses, in which he asked God's forgiveness on behalf of others, invites Christians to recognize their sins and be saved through God's mercy. Read more »

Vatican Reaffirms Ban On Homosexual Seminarians

The Vatican has affirmed that a policy barring homosexuals from admission to seminaries applies to all Catholic dioceses and religious orders.

In a brief letter to the world's bishops, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, underlined that a November 2005 policy statement from the Congregation for Catholic Education is "valid for all formation houses for the priesthood," including those administered by religious orders, the Eastern Catholic churches, and missionary territories. Read more »

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