Just below those top-line figures on religious affiliation, significant changes in national identity also become clear—29 percent of the Northern Irish population now see themselves exclusively as Irish. This is just three points behind the 32 percent who consider themselves British.
Europe
Posted inFaith, News
German bishops outraged after Swiss cardinal compares synodal path to rise of Nazism
The president of the German bishops’ conference demanded an apology from a cardinal who seemed to compare the German Synodal Path with a Nazi ideology.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Italy could elect its first woman prime minister—and its most right-wing government since becoming a republic
For the first time in the nation’s history, a woman, Giorgia Meloni, 45, could become prime minister. She would lead Italy’s 70th government since 1946.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Belgian bishops create prayer liturgy for same-sex couples
Belgian bishops have created a prayer liturgy for same-sex couples, which cites Pope Francis’ “The Joy of Love,” and states that same-sex relationships can be a source of joy.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Gorbachev and St. John Paul were key players in ending the Cold War—and greatly appreciated each other
When Mikhail Gorbachev, who died on Aug. 30, first met with Pope John Paul in December 1989, less than a month after the Berlin Wall’s collapse, the two leaders “understood each other immediately.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Catholic Relief Services C.E.O. on the alarming signs of our times: hunger, drought and war
Sean Callahan, president and C.E.O. of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services, returned last month from tours and consultations with C.R.S. partners in Ukraine, Ghana and Ethiopia.
Posted inFaith, News
Germany rejects Vatican criticism of its Synodal Path
“We will not tire of emphasizing that the church in Germany will not follow a ‘German special path’,” said a joint statement by the Synodal Presidium, the president of the German Bishops’ Conference and ZdK President Irme Stetter-Karp.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis tells religious orders: Do not be ashamed to denounce abusive priests and brothers.
In an address to members of three religious orders, the pope asked for “zero tolerance” for abusers in the church and expressed his “closeness” with the people of Ukraine.
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
Boris Johnson and the prophet Hosea’s wisdom for the future of U.K. politics
“Sow integrity for yourselves,” urges Hosea. Right now in the U.K., that feels like the most urgent political task.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
U.K. bishop: Lack of clear moral compass led to Boris Johnson’s downfall
The crisis should inspire the U.K. to reflect upon the values upheld by figures in public life, said Bishop Egan.