Catholic Church representatives have welcomed a ruling by Europe’s top human rights court that countries have no obligation to allow physician-assisted suicide. However, they also voiced concern at suggestions that it could be recognised as a human right in the future. “This judgment largely concerns procedural questions – but it’s a very good result,” said…
Church in France reels from new abuse and cover-up allegations
Leaders of the Church in France have appealed for patience and fairness in establishing the truth, after two more bishops were accused of sexual abuse while heading the Church’s main missionary organisation. “The charges are serious, and both categorically deny them,” said Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort of Reims, the bishops’ conference president. “The voice of…
Church leaders push to expand their peacekeeping role in Africa
Church representatives from French-speaking Africa have urged closer regional cooperation in Catholic peacebuilding to offset mounting economic and security challenges across the continent. “The Church frequently speaks out against government corruption and failure to settle conflicts – but it’s simply ignored,” explained Stephen Hilbert, adviser for Africa and global development for the US bishops’ conference.…
Beatification of wartime Polish nuns highlights radical Christian witness
Senior Catholics see the beatification of 10 Polish nuns murdered by Russian soldiers at the end of World War II as highlighting the need for radical Christian witness while offering a prophetic reminder of current sufferings in Ukraine. “Every beatification or canonisation of any nun is a cause of joy, while every example of radical…
‘John Paul served the Church and the world’
In his homeland, the Polish Pope’s star continues to shine