A section of the Peace Wall that divides Catholic and Protestant communities cuts its way through West Belfast, Northern Ireland. (CNS photo/Cathal McNaughton, Reuters)

Archbishop Martin reflects on a different Northern Ireland as bishops visit Rome

by Rhona Tarrant January 26, 2017

“The church is in a different space,” says Archbishop Martin. “We must be more invitational, using a ministry of presence, gently explaining the message of the church and inviting people in.”

Italian journalist Emiliano Fittipaldi (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Faith, Vatican Dispatch

New book by Vatileaks journalist alleges Vatican inaction on sexual abuse

by Gerard O’Connell January 19, 2017

Though clearly a commercial venture, Lust nonetheless makes sad reading and raises some questions.

20170112t1058-7235-cns-erroneous-autonomy

Dispatches, Faith

Commission on sexual abuse strengthened by pope’s appointment of O’Malley to C.D.F.

by Gerard O’Connell January 14, 2017

The cardinal already serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

Faith, News

Victim advocates are wary of new priest abuse victims program.

by Jennifer Peltz - Associated Press December 5, 2016

The New York archdiocese’s program lets people take claims to a noted outside mediator while keeping painful details private.

Faith, News

Catholic Church in Guam gets new leader while former archbishop faces sexual assault allegations

by Grace Garces Bordallo - Associated Press November 3, 2016

Pope Francis on Monday named Bishop Michael Jude Byrnes, the auxiliary bishop of Detroit, as the new leader of the Guam archdiocese.

Australian Cardinal George Pell, prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, is pictured in a 2014 photo in Sydney. Australian police questioned Cardinal Pell in Rome regarding accusations of alleged sexual abuse. (CNS photo/Jane Dempster, EPA)

Faith, Signs Of the Times

Cardinal Pell Answers Aussie Police Inquiry

by From AP, CNS, RNS, Staff and other sources November 3, 2016

Australian police questioned Cardinal George Pell, prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, in Rome regarding accusations of sexual abuse. Cardinal Pell was “voluntarily interviewed” by Victoria police in late October, said a statement on Oct. 26 from the cardinal’s office.

Faith, News

Cardinal questioned over sexual abuse allegations

by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service October 26, 2016

Allegations surfaced in July in a report by Australia’s ABC featuring several people who accused Cardinal Pell of sexual assault.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York presides at an August Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Politics & Society, Signs Of the Times

Abuse Compensation

by From AP, CNS, RNS, Staff and other sources October 13, 2016

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York said on Oct. 6 that it has created a compensation program for people who were sexually abused by priests or deacons.