Observer

Index - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Pope calls London blasts ‘barbaric acts against humanity’

Vatican City, 7th July 2005 (CNA) - Hours after a series of terrorist attacks rocked London’s transit system during this morning’s rush hour commute, Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster deploring the inhumane acts as “barbaric.”

Catholic leaders express sympathy, shock at London attacks

London, 7th July 2005 (CNA) - Hours after a series of rush hour attacks which rocked London's transit system leaving about 40 dead, Catholic leaders from around the Britain have begun expressing their dismay and consolations over what is the Pope called a "barbaric act."

Pope Benedict: As children of God, we may invoke God as ‘Abba’

Vatican City, 6th July 2005 (CNA) - In his general audience earlier today in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged nearly 15,000 listeners to realize that all are children of God the Father who, in light of Christ, “can now be invoked as 'Abba,'…in a spontaneous and loving relationship."

Holy Father hopes ‘Torch of Peace’ will encourage spread of Christian values in Europe

Vatican City, 6th July 2005 (CNA) - Following his general audience this morning at the Vatican, Pope Benedict greeted a group of delegates from the Italian diocese of Spoleto-Norcia who came bearing the “Torch of Peace”, a powerful symbol which the Pope hopes will encourage a greater “witness to Christian values in Europe.”

Chinese Government arrests Vatican faithful bishop for the 6th time

Rome, 5th July 2005 (CNA) - Bishop Julio Jia Zhiguo, 70, member of the China's underground Catholic church, has been arrested for the sixth time in 18 months, as the government continues harassing unofficial congregations,  the Cardinal Kung Foundation denounced today.

Pope Benedict calls archbishops to unity and affection for the Church

Vatican City, 30th June 2005 (CNA) - Today at noon in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, and the 32 metropolitan archbishops who received the pallium yesterday, calling them to continued unity with each other and with the Pope.

Same-sex marriage bill ‘dangerous deterioration’ of shared values, say Canadian bishops

Ottawa, 29th June 2005 (CNA) - The passage of Canada’s same-sex marriage bill in the House of Commons yesterday is an indication “that Canadians are witnessing a dangerous deterioration of their communal values,” said the president of the Canadian bishops’ conference.

Pope Benedict calls Catechism Compendium ‘a renewed announcement of the Gospel’

Vatican City, 28th June 2005 (CNA) - At a special liturgy this morning for the debut of the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI praised the new teaching tool as “a new impulse to Evangelization” and expressed hope that it would lead many to a deeper understanding of the teaching and life of the Church.

Vatican unveils new compendium of Catholic Catechism

Vatican City, 28th June 2005 (CNA) - The dense Catechism of the Catholic Church, groundbreaking when it debuted in 1992, will now be even more accessible to those seeking to learn and teach the Catholic faith.

Pope appeals for a prudent driving: "life is precious and unique”

Vatican City, 27th June 2005 (CNA) - During the recitation of the Angelus yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI addressed tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square. Concerned by the numerous car accidents reported during the summer holidays, he asked the drivers to avoid distraction and superficiality “for, in a single moment, they can ruin one's own life and that of others.”

Catholic woman’s ordination in Central Europe is ‘invalid’: Archbishop Foley

London, 24th June 2005 (CNA) - The secret ordination of a woman in an undisclosed location in Central Europe this week was "not just illicit but invalid," said Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications in Rome.

Official prayer to ask favors through intercession of JPII

Rome, 23rd June 2005 (CNA) - The Diocese of Rome, in charge of promoting the beatification of late Pope John Paul II, released an official prayer in different languages, to implore favors through the intercession of the Pontiff.

Benedict XVI sees “positive signs” for reconciliation in Holy Land

Vatican City, 23rd June 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI addressed the question of peace in the Holy Land today and said  “certain positive signs” in the last few months give hope that “the day of reconciliation between the various communities that work in the Holy Land will not be long in coming.”

New book by Pope explains Christian roots of European Union

Rome, 23rd June 2005 (CNA) - During a press conference in which he introduced the new book by Pope Benedict XVI, “The Europe of Benedict: In the Crisis of Cultures,” Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Rome, explained that the new work analyizes the two alternatives facing today’s Europeans: “to live as if God did not exist, or to live as if God does exists and therefore influences our lives.”

Spanish Senate vetoes gay marriage law

Madrid, 23rd June 2005 (CNA) - After heated debate, the Spanish Senate vetoed a bill that would make homosexual unions equivalent to marriage.  Now voters are demanding the bill be completely killed in the Senate rather than being sent to the House of Representatives and that a referendum on the issue be held.

Do not fear snares of evildoers who want to destroy human values, Pope says

Vatican City, 22nd June 2005 (CNA) - Speaking before some 31,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Wednesday General Audience,  Pope Benedict XVI spoke on the subject of Psalm 123: "Our help is in the name of the Lord," and he reminded the faithful not to fear "the snares of evildoers, who not only threaten life but also want to destroy all human values. However, the Lord arises to defend and save the righteous”.

Cardinal Ruini proposes “re-reading” of Vatican II

Rome, 22nd June 2005 (CNA) - Vatican analyst Sandro Magister of the Italian online magazine L’Espresso published an article Wednesday on a recent speech given by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of the Diocese of Rome, in which he called for a re-writing of the history of Vatican II “according to the truth.”

Benedict XVI reminds faithful that Christian charity is nourished by participating in the Eucharist

Vatican City, 20th June 2005 (CNA) - From his office window, Pope Benedict XVI reminded all the people gathered to hear him in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday that Christian charity and self-donation are nourished in the Eucharist.

First book by Benedict XVI to be published Tuesday

Rome, 20th June 2005 (CNA) - The Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported last week that the first book by Pope Benedict XVI, entitled “The Example of Benedict in the Crisis of the Cultures,” will focus on the marginalization of Christianity in modern-day Europe and will be in stores in Italy on Tuesday.

USCCB approves budget for new study on causes of sexual abuse

Washington DC, 17th June 2005 (CNA) - The U.S. bishops decided Friday to approve a $1-million budget for new research on the "Causes and Context Study" of the sex-abuse scandal.

Bishops to issue document on death penalty

Chicago, 17th June 2005 (CNA) - The U.S. bishops have voted to draft a document stating Catholic doctrine regarding the death penalty.

Benedict XVI: God does not disappoint His people’s hope

Vatican City, 15th June 2005 (CNA) - During today's general audience, held this morning in a rain-soaked St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI recalled that God does not remain indifferent to the cry of His people, neither does He disappoint their hope.

Italian referendum results may signal need to revise abortion law, says minister

Rome, 15th June 2005 (CNA) - Church officials and leaders in Italy have welcomed the results of a failed referendum that could have lifted the country’s restrictions on in vitro fertilization and embryonic research. The referendum June 12-13 was invalidated due to low voter turnout (25.9 percent). A turnout of more than 50 percent was required to make the vote valid.

Hong Kong bishop says Vatican is “anxious” to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing

Hong Kong, 14th June 2005 (CNA) - During a luncheon Tuesday at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong, Bishop Joseph Zen told reporters that the Vatican's policy on China has not changed under Pope Benedict XVI and that the Vatican desires to make every effort in order to normalize relations with Beijing.

Pope reaffirms Catholic doctrine on priestly celibacy, abstinence to fight AIDS

Vatican City, 10th June 2005 (CNA) - Speaking to a group of bishops from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho concluding their "ad limina" visit, Pope Benedict reaffirmed Church teachings on priestly celibacy, as well as abstinence and fidelity to prevent AIDS.

Process for John Paul II’s beatification to start on June 28, Cardinal announces

Vatican City, 10th June 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican will open the beatification process for Pope John Paul II June 28, announced Camillo Cardinal Ruini.

Russian health officials debunk “safe-sex” myth and promote abstinence in Moscow

Rome, 9th June 2005 (CNA)) - In an about-face, health officials in Moscow have acknowledged that “safe-sex does not exist” and are opting for abstinence-based education for young people.

Pope pledges continued dialogue with Jewish community, leaders praise Pontiff

Vatican City, 9th June 2005 (CNA) - During his first audience with Jewish leaders, Pope Benedict XVI assured on Thursday that the Catholic Church remained fully committed to continued dialogue with the Jewish community and to fighting anti-Semitism.

Foreign minister invites first Vatican official to visit Russia

Vatican City, 7th June 2005 (CNA) - A delegation of the Russian Federation headed by its Foreign Affairs Minister, Sergei Lavrov, visited the Holy See this Tuesday and, for the first time, officially invited a Vatican top official to visit the country.

Pope John Paul’s secretary reveals he didn’t burn unpublished writings

Warsaw, 6th June 2005 (CNA) - During an interview with Polish state radio, Pope John Paul II's longtime private secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, revealed he has preserved the late pontiff's personal notes instead of burning them, as his will demanded.

Pope Benedict issues blessing for Canadian exhibit of Vatican art

Montreal, 3rd June 2005 (CNA) - A much-anticipated exhibit of more than 300 pieces of Vatican art was launched yesterday at an invitation-only gathering at Notre-Dame Basilica. St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes is making its only Canadian and Eastern North American stop in Montreal. It features paintings, mosaics, vestments, liturgical objects and Vatican documents that trace the history of the papacy from St. Peter to the current day.

Dominicans celebrate 200 years in the United States

Washington DC, 3rd Junune 2005 (CNA) - The Dominican Friars marking their 200^th anniversary of their foundation in the United States. They will celebrate with a mass June 8 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The public is invited.

Pope John Paul's Secretary becomes his successor in the Archdiocese of Krakow

Vatican City, 3rd June 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI appointed today Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, adjunct prefect of the Pontifical Household and former Pope John Paul II's personal Secretary, as the new Archbishop of Krakow, the second largest diocese in Poland.

Dignity of man, from conception until natural death, is primary, says Pope

Vatican City, 2nd June 2005 (CNA) - Today the Vatican released a letter from Pope Benedict XVI, commemorating John Paul’s visit, 25 years ago to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and reiterating the Church’s belief that true peace can only be reached by promoting human dignity, from conception until natural death.

Pope challenges Christians to imitate Mary, take Christ to others

Vatican City, 1st June 2005 (CNA) - Marking the traditional end of the month of May, Pope Benedict XVI addressed faithful who had processed from the Church of St. Stephen of the Abyssinians to the Vatican garden’s Grotto of Lourdes, and told called them to imitate Mary as she carried Christ to the world.

Pope entrusts copyright for all his works to Vatican Publishing House

Vatican City, 1st Jun 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, the Holy See announced that Pope Benedict XVI has decided to entrust care and exclusive rights of his large body of writings, to the Vatican Publishing House.

Pope changes government at Roman Basilica, boosts dialogue with other Christians

Vatican City, 31st May 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, the Vatican made public new norms, written by Pope Benedict on the Feast of the Visitation of Mary, for the practice of worship in the pontifical basilica of St. Paul’s Outside-the-Walls, which clarify specific questions of jurisdiction and administrative aspects of the ancient basilica and it’s grounds.

Pope says young people ‘must feel loved by the Church’

Vatican City, 31st May 2005 (CNA) - As he prepares to join young people in Cologne for World Youth Day this summer, Pope Benedict XVI told Italian bishops yesterday that they, especially priests and bishops, must assure the young that they are loved by the Church.

Pope supports efforts by Italian bishops to defend life and the family

Vatican City, 30th May 2005 (CNA) - Receiving a group of bishops from the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Pope Benedict XVI voiced his energetic support for the efforts of the Italian bishops to defend life, especially in regards to an upcoming referendum on assisted reproduction.

Pope Benedict says Christians need Eucharist, Sundays to cope with daily challenges

Vatican City, 30th May 2005 (CNA) - On his first official apostolic trip outside of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI traveled to Bari yesterday for the closing of Italy’s 24^th Eucharistic Congress where he stressed that Christians need the Eucharist and the Sunday obligation to “find the energy necessary for the path they must follow.”

Archbishop Foley: Catholic editor should have represented Church teaching

Orlando, 27th May 2005 (CNA) - Speaking to a joint meeting of Catholic communicators in Florida this week, Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said in a speech that ousted ‘America’ magazine editor, Fr. Thomas Reese, should have better represented Catholic teaching during his time with the Jesuit-run journal.

Pope Benedict committed to health care for all, especially the poorest, says Cardinal

Vatican City, 27th May 2005 (CNA) - On May 18^th, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry told 192 members of the World Health Assembly that Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican are committed to help “bring health care to everyone, especially the most unprotected.”

Christ wishes to come to all mankind, Pope says

Vatican City, 26th May 2005 (CNA) - During the celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, which took place in the square facing the Basilica of St. John Lateran’s, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the necessity for Christians to encounter Christ in order to be able to proclaim Him to all nations.

US Bishops react to stem cell bills

Washington DC, 26th May 2005 (CNA) - President George W. Bush has promised to veto a bill, which would allow government funding for embryonic stem-cell research. Bush made his intention know after the House approved H.R. 810 on Tuesday.

Catholic group calls Showtime’s mockery of Mother Theresa, vicious, monstrous

New York, 26th May 2005 (CNA) - Shareholders in the media giant, Viacom, will be greeted by many unhappy faces as they enter a meeting at New York’s Marriot Marquis Hotel this afternoon.

Pope’s Wednesday message of hope: God frees us from terror of death

Vatican City, 25th May 2005 (CNA) - This morning, Pope Benedict XVI, continuing his series of Wednesday catechesis on the Psalms, offered the 27,000 gathered pilgrims a message of hope, assuring them that God will not abandon his people to the terrors of pain and death.

Church teaching on homosexuality causes hope for some, derision for others

Detroit, 25th May 2005 (CNA) - Two very different groups, which offer support for homosexuals in the Church are planning their first conferences since the election of Pope Benedict XVI.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph - a model for all families, Pope tells Spanish Bishops

Vatican City, 23rd May 2005 (CNA) - Today the Vatican publicized a letter from Pope Benedict written to the Spanish bishops during their pilgrimage to the shrine of Pilar de Zaragoza, commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the consecration of Spain to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Chicago ordains largest class of priests in a decade

Chicago, 23rd May 2005 (CNA) - During a three-hour ceremony, at Chicago’s Cathedral on Saturday, Cardinal Francis George ordained 16 men to the priesthood—the largest ordination class of any diocese in the U.S.

Benedict XVI decries Nazism, communism: ‘we must assure that such inhuman acts are never repeated’

Vatican City, 20th May 2005 (CNA) - Following a screening yesterday of the new film, “Karol, A Man Who Became Pope”, Pope Benedict XVI decried Nazism and communism, saying that “We have the duty to remind ourselves and others…what forms of unprecedented violence can be reached by scorn for human beings and violation of their rights.”

President Bush thanks Catholics for history of defending human life and dignity

Washington DC, 20th May 2005 (CNA) - Speaking this morning at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, President George Bush thanked Catholics for the contributions they had made to American society—especially in the defense of its most vulnerable members.

Pope Benedict to visit Canada in 2008

Quebec City, 20th May 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI plans to make his first papal trip to Canada in 2008, “if God is willing.”

Transcendent God reaches out to us in our humility, says Pope Benedict on the birthday of John Paul II

Vatican City, 18th May 2005 (CNA) - Remembering the late John Paul II on what would have been his 85^th birthday, Pope Benedict XVI today, greeted nearly 25,000 soggy pilgrims on a rain-soaked Roman morning, reminding them of God’s desire to comfort the lowly and the suffering.

Pope Benedict praises renaming of Italian peak for John Paul II

Vatican City, 18th May 2005 (CNA) - At the conclusion of today’s General Audience, Pope Benedict spiritually joined a ceremony, taking place simultaneously in Italy’s Gran Sasso mountain range, to name one of its peaks for the late John Paul II who would have been 85 today.

Vatican official: Europe will only be agent of peace if it guards human dignity

Vatican City, 17th May 2005 (CNA) - Speaking at the third Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Council of Europe yesterday, Vatican representative Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo told Council members that Europe would only be an “agent of peace and civilization in the world” to the extent that it promotes human dignity and fundamental rights.

Resignation of America editor should not surprise Catholics, expert says

Boston, 17th May 2005 (CNA) - All of the kafuffle surrounding the resignation of Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ, as editor of America Magazine is unfounded, according to First Things editor Fr. John Neuhaus.

Tardy Pope stresses connection between institution and Spirit during noontime remarks

Vatican City, 16th May 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, a 20-minute late Pope Benedict greeted some 40,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the noontime Regina Coeli prayer, beaming about his ordination of 21 new priests immediately before, and discussed the profound relationship between the Spirit and institution of the Church.

Pope ordains 21 new priests, urges them to always be drawn back to the Eucharist

Vatican City, 16th May 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, Pope Benedict XVI ordained 21 new priests for the Diocese of Rome and encouraged them to “Always lead men back again” to the mystery and foundation of the Eucharist. “Help them”, he said, “to bring Christ's peace into the world."

Pope Benedict forgoes waiting period, begins John Paul II beatification process

Vatican City, 13th May 2005 (CNA) - Catholics around the world are rejoicing today with Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he would open the cause for the beatification of his predecessor, John Paul II, who died April 2^nd.

Archbishop William Joseph Levada, new head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Vatican City, 13th May 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI announced today that Archbishop William Joseph Levada, until now Archbishop of San Francisco, is succeeding him as the new Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Pope confirms Eucharistic theme for October Synod of Bishops

Vatican City, 12th May 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced today that the 11th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held at the Vatican October 2nd through the 23rd, would center around the theme of "The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church."

God’s message of history: to call all to conversion, says Pope Benedict

Vatican City, 11th May 2005 (CNA) - Continuing his series of Wednesday audiences prepared by the late John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI today told an estimated 17,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that although seemingly in the hands of dark forces, God penetrates all of human history.

Resignation of America editor worries some Catholic journalists

New York, 11th May 2005 (CNA) - The forced resignation of Fr. Tom Reese as editor of America magazine has created a wave of reaction among Catholic journalists and academics across the country.

Italians remember John Paul II with 6500-foot cross

Vatican City, 11th May 2005 (CNA) - The town of L’Aquila in central Italy has erected a steel cross towering over 6500 feet on top of a mountain which as of May 18 will be called “Mount John Paul II.”

‘Ministry of Pope is a guarantee of obedience to Christ and to His Word’, says Pope Benedict

Vatican City, 9th May 2005 (CNA) - On Friday, Pope Benedict XVI formally took possession of St. John Lateran Cathedral, confirming his position as Bishop of the Diocese of Rome.

Communications can be used for good or ill, says Holy Father

Vatican City, 9th May 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday at noon in Rome, the Holy Father appeared at his study window to recite the traditional Regina Coeli prayer, and note two significant dates for the Church; the solemnity of the Ascension, celebrated Sunday in Italy and in many other countries; and the 39th World Day of Social Communications.

US bishops urge Congress to evaluate free-trade agreement with moral criteria

Washington DC, 6th May 2005 (CNA) - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are urging Congress to evaluate the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) based on moral criteria.

Top Vatican Cardinal: Gay Marriage is "A Crime Which represents the Destruction of the World"

Vatican, 3rd May 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On the first business day after meeting privately with newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, gave one of the strongest statements defending the traditional family in recent memory.

Pope Benedict to Swiss Guard: ‘You serve the entire Church’

Vatican City, 6th May 2005 (CNA) - This morning, Pope Benedict received 31 new Swiss Guard recruits who took their official oaths this afternoon at the Vatican.

The singer Roberto Bignoli talks about the World Youth Day

Veritas, 6th May 2005 - The World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany is fast approaching. Once again, this will represent for so many young people a significant part of their own journey in faith. The Christian singer, Roberto Bignoli, has had the joy of taking part in several World Youth Days as an artist in past years. Roberto, who carries a handicap, has lived through the experience of poverty and sickness since he was a child, has passed through the experiences of drug-taking and jail… then his encounter with Jesus that changed his life radically, putting him on a new path. We asked him some questions.

Pope Benedict makes visit to Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo, 5th May 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip outside Rome in a brief visit to the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.

Same-sex marriage bill one step closer to law in Canada

Ottawa, 5th May 2005 (CNA) - Canada’s same-sex marriage bill passed second reading in the House of Commons yesterday, moving it one step closer to becoming law.

More than half of the people in Europe against children adoption by homosexual couples

Brussels, 5th May 2005 (CNA) - The recently approved law by the House of Representatives in Spain, with regard to “marriage” among same sex couples, has placed Spain, together with The Netherlands and Belgium, among those countries in the European Union that are most identified with homosexuals.

Pope Benedict decides to revert to tradition and not preside at beatifications

Vatican City, 4th May 2005 (CNA) - In his efforts to make events at the Vatican less “Pope-centered”, Pope Benedict XVI has decided that he will not preside at beatifications, reported the Honolulu Advertiser.

Scholars call new Crusade movie ‘rubbish’

Los Angeles, 4th May 2005 (CNA) - With anticipation of English director Ridley Scott’s new film, Kingdom of Heaven steadily growing, the skepticism of many scholars of the middle ages is also growing.

Vatican prepares for installation of Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rome

Vatican City, 3rd May 2005 (CNA) - Following a whirlwind of activity over the past month, the Holy See is now preparing for the installation of Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rome on Saturday, May 7.

Latin not 'dead' in some churches

Fort Myers, 3rd May 2005 (CNA) - Latin is the language of choice for some churches in southwest Florida, and elsewhere across the country, when it comes to celebrating mass.

Pope welcomes Italian President Ciampi to Vatican

Vatican City, 3rd May 2005 (CNA) - This morning, Pope Benedict XVI held his first official meeting with Italian President Carlo Azeglion Ciampi at the Vatican.

Pope Benedict makes first appearance from study window

Vatican City, 2nd May 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance at his study window for the weekly recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer, below which, tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered.

Pope Benedict prays for those persecuted ‘for the sake of faith and justice’

Vatican City, 2nd May 2005 (CNA) - This morning, the Vatican announced Pope Benedict's first general prayer intention for the world.

Jews band together to fight anti-Christian prejudice

Washington DC, 2nd May 2005 (CNA) - A group of prominent Jewish leaders have banded together to fight anti-Christian prejudice in Hollywood, the news media, academia, politics and the courts.

Argentinean bishop: “Benedict XVI was sent by God”

Buenos Aires, 29th April 2005 (CNA) - Bishop Agustin Radrizzani of Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, said this week Pope Benedict XVI was “sent by God” and he noted that “the announcement of his election brought us joy because orphanhood disappeared as the Lord gave us a new Vicar who would represent Him.”

The “reform of the reform” has begun, says Vatican analyst

Rome, 29th April 2005 (CNA) - In his weekly column, the renowned Vatican analyst Sandro Magister of “L’Espresso” says recent actions and statements by Pope Benedict XVI signal the beginning of the “reform of the reform.”

New Swiss Guard to be sworn in historic ceremony

Vatican City, 29th April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican has announced that thirty-one new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard will take their official oath to guard and defend the Pope in a historic ceremony on May 6^th.

European Council rejects legalization of euthanasia

Rome, 29th April 2005 (CNA) - A bill that would have legalized euthanasia throughout Europe, following the Belgian and Dutch models, has been rejected by a vote of 128 to 56 in the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council.

Pope Benedict, ‘in the footsteps of Benedict XV’, places ministry at service of ‘reconciliation and harmony between peoples’

Vatican City, 27th April 2005 (CNA) - Some 15,000 people were present this morning in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Benedict XVI gave the first General Audience of his new pontificate and explained some of the weight behind his use of the name ‘Benedict’.

Bishops and parents in Mexico against homosexual campaign

Mexico City, 27th April 2005 (CNA) - The Bishops Conference in Mexico (CEM) and the National Union of Parents (UNPF), energically expressed their opposition to the campaign promoted by the Secretary of Health (SSA), who under the excuse of fighting homophobia results on promoting homosexuality.

A new missionary Pope: Benedict will strive to follow John Paul’s example of travel

Vatican City, 26th April 2005 (CNA) - In his homily yesterday evening at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor John Paul II who made the missionary mandate of the Church a cornerstone of his pontificate.

Pope Benedict commits to bridge-building with world religions; calls on leaders to ‘Put out into the deep’

Vatican City, 25th April 2005 (CNA) - Setting the stage for what many hope will be a continuation of Pope John Paul II’s dialogue with world religions, Pope Benedict met this morning with members of various Christian Churches and ecclesial communities, as well as of non-Christian religious leaders who had come to Rome for yesterday’s inauguration Mass.

Madison Bishop calls suicide-minded living wills a mortal sin

Madison, 25th April 2005 (CNA) - In the wake of the recent death of Terri Schiavo and the new national discussion on living wills, Bishop Robert Morlino of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin is trying to clarify the Church’s position on the wills and keep faithful out of mortal sin.

German-American Catholics see new Pope as sign of redemption

Chicago, 25th April 2005 (CNA) - There is great pride in the German-American community that the current Pope is their fellow countryman. Parishioners at the German parish of St. Alphonsus in Chicago dedicated a special mass yesterday in honor of the new Pope, reported ABC Channel 7.

Pope Benedict delivers heartfelt message in first homily to the faithful

Vatican City, 24th April 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI’s delivered his first homily to the people of God today, calling the faithful to fearlessly embrace Christ and to support each other in living the Gospel.

Pope Benedict pledges to continue dialogue with media

Vatican City, 24th April 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI has pledged to continue “the fruitful dialogue” with the media that was begun by his predecessor John Paul II.

Vatican invites worldwide Church to celebrate inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican City, 22nd April 2005 (CNA) - On Sunday, the eyes of the world will once again fall on Rome as Pope Benedict XVI is inaugurated as 265th Pope of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict reinstates top Roman Curia members

Vatican City, 21st April 2005 (CNA) - As one of his first acts as Pope, the newly elected Benedict XVI has reinstated many of the top officials of the Roman Curia.

New Pope Benedict says ‘John Paul left us a Church that is more courageous, freer, younger’

Vatican City, 20th April 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, formerly, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger delivered his first homily at a Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the gathered College of Cardinals.

Pope Benedict lays out vision for pontificate

Vatican City, 20th April 2005 (CNA) - With an audible sense of the weighty path, which lies ahead of him, Pope Benedict XVI delivered his first homily to the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel today, laying out what may be seen as a vision for his pontificate.

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