Catholic leaders in Minsk protested after law enforcement agencies blocked the entry of Sts. Simon and Helena Church and later arrested protesters who had fled inside to avoid police.
Europe
Posted inFaith, News
Survey finds abuse accusations against 654 members of Catholic religious orders in Germany
Victims had suffered additional pain from the way they were treated by leaders and other members of orders. “We deeply regret this and acknowledge our failure once again,” a representative for the German church said.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
German bishops’ council will meet for the first time since Vatican parish document
The German Catholic news agency KNA notes the president of the bishops’ conference has so far been virtually the only bishop not to comment publicly on the document.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
German archbishop calls for open debate about women priests in the Catholic Church
Archbishop Stefan Hesse, Germany’s youngest bishop, said he was entering reform talks with an open mind.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis asks for prayers for the unemployed, for dialogue, peace
While reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis urged people to pray for various intentions, including praying for those suffering from the pandemic.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Beating peaceful demonstrators is ‘grave sin,’ says Belarusian archbishop
In a message read in churches nationwide Aug. 16, the bishops said: “Blood has been shed in an active confrontation, leaving many physical and moral victims, including peaceful and innocent people of all ages.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis replaces Polish bishop after sex abuse and cover-up scandal
To show how seriously he is taking reports of sexual abuse in Poland, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the archbishop of Gdansk and has immediately selected a temporary administrator pending a permanent replacement.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Complicated crossings: Pandemic has not stopped migration
Even at the height of Italy’s strict COVID-19 lockdown this spring, migrants arrived. The government said 241 newcomers came in March and 671 arrived in April.
Posted inFaith, News
Should priests still lead parishes? German bishops debate new Vatican document
The Vatican document bars laypeople from leading parishes and emphasizes the role of priests.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Italy: Controversial verdict may force legalization of assisted suicide
The acquittal of two “right-to-die” activists on July 27 who aided in the suicide of a person suffering from multiple sclerosis may force the Italian government to legalize assisted suicide in the country.