The countries in the world with the most people baptized Catholics continue to be, in order: Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States and Italy.
Europe
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
London cardinal leads Catholics in mourning death of Prince Philip
“How much we will miss Prince Philip’s presence and character, so full of life and vigor,” said Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster. “He has been an example of steadfast loyalty and duty cheerfully given. May he rest in peace.”
Posted inFaith, News
Vienna cardinal ‘not happy’ with Vatican statement on same sex unions
Austria’s Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has said he cannot deny same-sex couples a blessing if they request one and that he was “not happy” with the Vatican’s mid-March statement on same-sex unions.
Posted inFaith, News
More than 230 German theologians protest Vatican statement against blessings for same-sex unions
More than 230 professors of Catholic theology have signed a statement protesting the Vatican’s recent pronouncement that priests cannot bless same-sex unions, adding to dissent over the document.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Italian court blocks Steve Bannon-linked plans to train populists in a 13th-century monastery
Italy’s top administrative court has ruled against a conservative think tank affiliated with former White House adviser Steve Bannon over its use of a 13th century hilltop monastery to train future populist leaders.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
It’s official: St. Patrick’s Day is canceled in Ireland
There will be no parades in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, and the government has warned that people who try to organize parties to celebrate the day will face fines and criminal prosecution.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Polish court acquits activists who put LGBT rainbow on icon of Mary
A Polish court on Tuesday acquitted three activists who had been accused of desecration and offending religious feelings for producing and distributing images of a revered Roman Catholic icon altered to include the LGBT rainbow.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Remembering Father Enda McDonagh, a ‘critical but loyal’ Irish theologian who questioned ‘Humanae Vitae’
Rev. Enda McDonagh served the Irish church as a compassionate priest and renowned theologian. He died on Feb. 24.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Mary Gordon on Max Jacob, a (tormented) lover of God
Max Jacob, a poet and painter, reminds us of the complex possibilities of a life lived passionately, ardently, playfully and in torment.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
The Catholic Church in Spain is losing the euthanasia debate. Can it re-enter the conversation if it becomes legal?
Spanish bishops published their own letter on the issue last December, “Sowers of Hope,” in which they reminded Catholics that “there is no one that can’t be cared for even if they are incurable.”