The Brothers of Charity were informed of the Vatican decision in a letter co-signed by Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer, doctrinal congregation prefect, and Archbishop Giacomo Morandi, doctrinal congregation secretary.

The retired Pope Benedict said: “Modern society is in the process of formulating an anti-Christian creed, and resisting this creed is punished by social excommunication.”

On the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Christopher Lamb and Colleen Dulle discuss opposition to the pope.

The appeal calls on believers in God worldwide to hold “a day for fasting, prayers, and supplications” on May 14.

America reported on Oct. 2 that the Vatican suspended five employees from their duties “as a precautionary measure.” Now an Italian daily is reporting they have been fired.

Galileo's struggles with ignorant authorities have eerie parallels in our own age.