In the wake of Cardinal Walter Kasper’s call for a clarification of the doctrine on indulgences, John O’Malley, S.J., offers this short history.
Signs Of the Times
Vatican Official: Mercy after Abortion
The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life criticized a hasty public declaration of the excommunication of the girls mother and doctors.
Alternative to Female Circumcision
The Diocese of Meru has developed a ritual called An Alternative Rite of Passage, which formally marks a girls passage into adolescence.
Bishops Address Drug-Related Problems
Prelates in several Latin American countries have spoken about the problem of drug trafficking in recent months.
Progress and Challenges as Africa Prepares for Synod
Africans preparing for the October 2009 Special Assembly are emphasizing the need to find ways to address poverty, justice and reconciliation.
Gold Mining Loses Its Luster
Bishops in Central America have criticized mining operations for their environmental and social damage.
Calls for New Colombian Policy
Community leaders urged President Barack Obama to help end the destructive trade in illegal drugs and more than 40 years of civil war.
Coalition Addresses Climate Change
The “Catholic Climate Covenant” asks Catholics to pray and reflect on the duty to care for Gods creation.
Settlement on West Bank Endangered
Israeli officials have reportedly issued a demolition order for buildings built on property owned by the Greek Orthodox Church.
News Briefs
Peter Bray, F.S.C. (left), assumed his position in March as the eighth vice chancellor of Bethlehem University.
