Former president Donald Trump took to social media to blame Republican losses in the November midterm elections on candidates who opposed abortion for any reason. His comments drew criticism from many pro-life advocates. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump posted: “It wasn’t my fault that the Republicans didn’t live up to expectations in…
‘Visio divina’: Divine seeing and praying with art and Scripture
Lindsey Weishar In the past few years, the term visio divina has gained traction in the Catholic lexicon. Like lectio divina, which is a way to pray with Scripture, visio divina translates to “divine seeing” and is a way to pray with art or other visual media alongside Scripture. I first encountered visio divina in…
US to allow abortion pills to be sold at pharmacies
The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially changed its policy, January 3, to allow pharmacies to sell mifepristone, the drug known commonly as the abortion pill. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organisation decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion pills and chemical abortion have become an…
As Benedict XVI was laid to rest, ecumenical tributes flowed in
Elise Ann Allen As Pope Benedict XVI was laid to rest Thursday in the Vatican, Christian and interfaith leaders across the world conveyed their appreciation of his theological contributions and efforts to build bridges. In a statement of condolence, the acting Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Jerry Pillay, said the…
In Brief
Warning of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Nagorno-Karabakh A leading politician serving the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has strongly echoed Pope Francis’ concerns about the humanitarian situation in the fragile region located within Azerbaijan’s borders. In an interview with CNA, Ruben Vardanyan, State Minister of Artsakh, said that the international community must act in order to prevent…
Catholic activists renew calls to abolish capital punishment after ‘year of the botched execution’
LetterfromUSA Kate Scanlon After a report dubbed 2022 “the year of the botched execution,” Catholic activists renewed their calls for an end to capital punishment in the US at both the state and federal levels. Despite declining public support for the practice, and a campaign promise from President Joe Biden, a Catholic and a…
In Short
200 students receive JPII awards in Kildare and Leighlin More than 200 students received their John Paul II awards in a celebration at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow. Of the 209 recipients, 46 received papal crosses, 115 gold medals, 34 silver medals and 14 bronze medals. Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty said…
How churlish we are on the late Pope
Dear Editor, With the noble exception of yourself, it seems that our media was virtually incapable of finding a single commentator who had anything positive to say about the late Pope Benedict XVI. To call a lot of the coverage petty and churlish would be an understatement. No one should expect that the passing of…
Vatican Roundup
Get out of your comfort zone to seek God like the Magi, Pope Francis says On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that if the Magi had remained comfortable, they never would have encountered the Lord in Bethlehem. In his homily for the Church’s celebration of the Three Kings on January 6, the…
Future Doctor of the Church?
Scholars say German professor-pope stands the test of time writes Maria Wiering Beginning well before he was elected pope in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI made substantial contributions to theology and Catholic thought through his prolific writing, academic lectures and long-form interviews, say scholars who study his work. In the wake of his death, Benedict has been…