Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on Monday defended his invocation of God at a political rally, after Italy’s Catholic establishment criticized it as a cynical exploitation of faith ahead of European Parliament elections this weekend.
Europe
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Was a service to honor nuclear-weapons crews at Westminster Abbey blasphemous?
Senior clerics of the Church of England joined politicians from the nearby Houses of Parliament to give thanks for the United Kingdom’s seaborne nuclear deterrent. A more ill-judged, if not blasphemous, event could hardly be imagined.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Catholic leaders fear right-wing surge in upcoming European Parliament elections
The far right has been splintered among several parties in the European Parliament. But if the movement wins more seats and unites behind a pan-European party, it could become decisive in continental politics.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Will a new gathering of Orthodox scholars and leaders push ecumenism forward?
The work of IOTA could help move the ecumenical movement forward. IOTA plans to meet every four years, on the model of the Olympics. It could become a blessing for all the church.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Polish nationalists protest U.S. over Holocaust claims
Protesters, including far-right groups and their supporters, say the United States has no right to interfere in Polish affairs and that the U.S. government is putting “Jewish interests” over the interests of Poland.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Refugees and visitors experience huge differences between Greek migrant camps
The papal almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, visited the Greek island of Lesbos, where migrants are being held pending the review of their status. He went to see firsthand what the migrants’ living conditions really are and what is being done to assist them.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hungary stems migrant flow, but issue remains big in E.U. vote
Hungary has stemmed the flow of migrants, and the issue promises to be a major bone of contention in the upcoming European Union elections.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis sends cardinal to Lesbos as refugees continue to arrive
When a Greek priest suggested that if Greece found a home for all the migrants and refugees in its camps, Turkey would just let more come over, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski balked.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis makes history in North Macedonia
He visited Mother Teresa’s memorial, saw relics of “the saint of the slums” and recited a prayer that he had personally composed. He praised God for the gift of her life and prayed for her intercession for North Macedonia.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In North Macedonia, Pope Francis encourages peace, prays at Mother Teresa memorial
Pope Francis is the first pope to visit North Macedonia, where Mother Teresa of Calcutta was born.