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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Fr John Harris OP During the last week I have been remembering the times I met with Cardinal Ratzinger when I was studying in Rome. I never met him after his election as pope. Back in November 1993 I wrote a letter to an Irish national newspaper, when an article in that paper had described…
Carol Glatz/OSV Pope Benedict XVI “spread and testified to” the Gospel his entire life, Pope Francis told tens of thousands of people gathered January 5 for his predecessor’s funeral Mass. “Like the women at the tomb, we too have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope, in order to show him…
Joy and Hope “Know that God will never abandon you. Turn your eyes to him often. He gave his life for you on the cross because he loves you. Contemplation of this great love brings a hope and joy to our hearts that nothing can destroy. Christians can never be sad, for they have met…