A sentence of laicization—sometimes referred to colloquially as defrocking—would complete a stunning fall from grace for the former cardinal.
Explainer
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
Explainer: What New York’s new abortion law does and doesn’t do
Pro-life advocates argue that the New York law allows the most extreme forms of abortion. Pro-choice advocates respond that late-term abortions are rare and complicated. Both sides are right.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Explainer: Will Pope Francis allow married priests?
What exactly is Pope Francis suggesting?
Posted inExplainer, Faith
If a priest is ‘credibly accused’ of sexual abuse, what does that mean? Depends whom you ask.
The terms used to describe and classify alleged sexual abuse are not standardized across dioceses and religious orders. Should they be?
Posted inExplainer, Faith
The root of the China-Vatican agreement: Napoleon
Napoleon’s consolidation of power in France in 1801 involved the recognition of the pope as the “ordinary and immediate pastor” of the universal church—a key component in the impending agreement between the Vatican and China.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
When a 5-year-old Irish boy saw a heavenly apparition: the story of Knock
Pope Francis will be spending a few precious hours at the Basilica of Knock while he is in Ireland this weekend.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Canon lawyers explain how Vatican abuse trials function
The “regular canonical trial” for an accused bishop, experts say, usually would be conducted by the apostolic tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
What would happen if Roe vs. Wade were overturned?
With a new solid conservative majority in SCOTUS, could there be new restrictions on abortion?
Posted inExplainer, Faith
What are ‘canonical penalties’ and how should they be handed down?
It is rare for penalties to be discussed in relation to a subject other than abortion.
Posted inArts & Culture, Explainer
Why the Catholic Church cares about sports
A new Vatican document considers the impact of sports on society, the pursuit of the common good and the unity of the human family.