The journey to Iraq will be a high-risk standout among the pope’s various efforts to bring attention to the church’s margins.
International
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 inDispatches, Politics & Society
Catholics in Quebec are leaving the church in droves. Can reinventing parish life save it?
“A prophetic church like [the one sought by Pope Francis], highlighting social justice and solidarity with the destitute and the persecuted, has the potential of closing the chasm between the church and the modern, secular culture of Quebec.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Nigeria’s Catholic priests are in fear for their lives after a slew of kidnappings and attacks
The growing attacks on priests and their ministries has left many living in fear. “The security situation is not just bad; it is extremely so,” said Father Bassey. “You want to hurry to get back home; you don’t want to be in a lonely place; you can’t step out and take a stroll.
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.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
A church survey reveals how mothers in Brazil are struggling to care for newborns in prison.
The Brazilian Constitution secures the right of women who are incarcerated to breastfeed their babies for six months. The law also allows them to serve their time at home. The decision is left to a judge.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
After coup in Myanmar, Cardinal Bo calls for calm, release of prisoners and urges West to avoid sanctions
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo appealed to the people of Myanmar “to remain calm” and not resort to violence in the wake of the military coup.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Were Orthodox Christians massacred in Ethiopia?
“It really does look like there was an atrocity and a massacre, but precisely the motivation and the details, I think we need to suspend judgment at the moment,” Laurie Nathan said.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Brazil has an ally in the fight against Covid vaccination disinformation: The Catholic Church.
Despite Brazil’s successes with vaccines, during the Covid-19 pandemic more Brazilians than ever have come to fear vaccination efforts because of disinformation campaigns.
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
Here’s what you need to know about Poland’s abortion ban — and the protests against it.
Archbishop Gadecki, president of the Polish bishops’ conference, called for protestors and lawmakers to have further talks “on how to protect the right to life and women’s rights.”