Observer

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

Vatican Radio serves truth of Christ, builds world reconciliation, says Pope during visit

Vatican City, 3rd March 2006 (CNA) - Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI visited the studios of Vatican Radio, currently celebrating its 75^th anniversary, where he told workers and technicians that theirs is the “good fight…of spreading the Gospel of Christ” to the world. 

Lent illuminates daily Christian struggle against evil, says Pope

Vatican City, 2nd March 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI marked the beginning of Lent yesterday by presiding at a penitential procession and Mass at Rome’s Santa Sabina Basilica, where he told faithful that Lent, in many ways, illuminates the Christian battle, mirroring Christ’s own battle as he prepared for his public ministry with 40 days in the wilderness.

Do not allow Lent to become heavy, burdensome, but approach with a new spirit, Pope tells faithful

Vatican City, 27th February 2006 (CNA) - Reflecting Sunday on the upcoming liturgical season of Lent, Pope Benedict XVI challenged faithful to approach the period with a new spirit; not one that is heavy and burdened, but one that sees Jesus, and his Life, offered through the cross.

Chinese Official warns newly appointed Cardinal, Bishop Zen, not to interfere into politics

Beijing, 23rd February 2006 (CNA) - Following the nomination of Hong Kong Bishop Joseph Zen, as one of the fifteen new Cardinals appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, the Chinese foreign ministry made known its position Thursday on the issue. It has warned the head of the Roman Catholic church in Hong Kong, Bishop Joseph Zen, not to meddle in politics.

Greek seminarians, priests to make historic visit to Rome; seek understanding between Orthodox and Catholic faiths

Vatican City, 23rd February  2006 (CNA) - On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to meet with priests and seminarians from Greece’s Orthodox Christian Church. It is hoped that the visit, which parallels a similar trip taken by Catholic priests and seminarians to Athens last year, will foster greater knowledge and understanding between the two faiths.

Benedict XVI names 15 new Cardinals

Vatican City, 22nd February 2006 (CNA) - After the general audience today, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Benedict XVI announced the names of 15 prelates who will be created cardinals in a consistory due to be held on March 24.

Vatican Radio at 75: a bridge between the Universal Church and societies, cultures of the world

Vatican City, 21st February 2006 (CNA) - During a press conference, held earlier today to mark the 75th anniversary of Vatican Radio, officials from the worldwide media giant called the station a bridge between the Pope, the Holy See and the world, and looked toward its continuing spread of the Gospel--particularly in poorer parts of the world, where the Church is often growing fastest.

World Catholic population sees increase of 1.1%

Vatican City, 21st February 2006 (CNA) - According to statistics from the 2006 edition of the Annuario Pontificio, the official Vatican yearbook, the world’s Catholic population grew by 12 million, or 1.1%, between 2003 and 2004.

Engage in modern cultural debate, defend truths of Church, Pope tells Italian Catholic journalists

Vatican City, 17th February 2006 (CNA) - Earlier today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI met with journalists from the Italian “Civilta Cattolica”, a Jesuit magazine established by Blessed Pius IX in 1850. He told them that Catholics—particularly Catholic journalists--are called to develop a true dialogue with a world plagued by disorientation and “individualistic relativism.”

Pope encourages Cuba to open hearts to the world, and world to open hearts to Cuba

Vatican City, 15th February 2006 (CNA) - Today the Vatican released the text of a message sent from Pope Benedict XVI to Cardinal Jamie Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of San Cristobal de La Havana, and president of the Cuban Bishop’s Conference. In it, he encouraged the people of Cuba to open their hearts to the God and the world, striving to find ways to live in peaceful coexistence.

Holy See announces plans for 500th birthday of Vatican Museums

Vatican City, 14th February 2006 (CNA) - Today the Vatican announced plans for its celebration honoring the Vatican museums, which turn 500 this year. 

Pope decries assassination of Turkish priest, expresses hope that killing will be ‘seed for building authentic fraternity’ among peoples

Vatican City, 6th February 2006 (CNA) - Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his personal condolences for the assassination of a Roman missionary priest, killed in Turkey Sunday shortly after celebrating Mass.

Holy See announces Plenary Indulgence for World Day of Sick

Vatican City, 3rd February 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary office, led by former Denver Archbishop, Cardinal James Francis Stafford, has announced that a Plenary Indulgence will be offered to faithful who participate in this year’s annual World Day of the Sick.

Kingdom of God not founded on dominion, oppression, but mercy, tenderness and justice

Vatican City, 1st Februrary 2006 (CNA) - During today’s general audience held at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI told a crowd of 8,000 that contrary to earthly kingdoms established by man, the Kingdom of God is one based on mercy, not false power, dominion and oppression for the weak.

Indifference to poor, self-centered isolation stand in marked contrast to ‘gaze of Christ’, says Pope

Vatican City, 31st January 2006 (CNA) - Today, the Vatican released the text of Pope Benedict XVI’s message for lent 2006. In it, he focuses his attention on the scourge of global underdevelopment and exhorts faithful to give the gift of themselves in solidarity with the poor and true imitation of Christ.

Proper role, dignity of work, defense of the weak, are prerequisites for true democracy, says Pope

Vatican City, 27th January 2006 (CNA) - As the Christian Associations of Italian Workers began its 60th anniversary celebrations, Pope Benedict XVI told members of the group, gathered today at the Vatican, that only in the search for truth, true human dignity, and the value of workers over capital, will true democracy be able to flourish.

EWTN celebrates 25-year milestone

Irondale, AL, 27th January 2006 (CNA) - The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will mark its 25th anniversary this year, Aug. 15, and to celebrate it has organized five events, called Family Celebrations.

Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclycal "Deus Caritas Est¨ published today

Vatican City, 25th January 2006 (CNA) - Today, the Vatican published Benedict XVI's first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est", an encyclical on charity.

Pope Benedict: Media must be responsible, protagonist of truth, not self-serving, profit-driven

Vatican City, 24th January 2006 (CNA) - Today, the Vatican released Pope Benedict’s message for this year’s World Day of Social Communications, in which he said that with the proper focus, mass media can be used as a tool to foster the dignity of the human person and promote truth and peace.

Vatican's Swiss Guard to fete 500th as world's oldest military corps

Vatican City, 19th January 2006 (CNA) – The Vatican announced today its final plans for the celebration of the fifth centenary of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the world’s oldest standing military corps.

Despite large potential, Catholic television lacks resources, networking, says Archbishop Foley

Vatican City, 20th January 2006 (CNA) - Earlier today at the Vatican, Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications told members of an organizational committee for the World Congress on/ Catholic Television that, although strong initiatives currently exist, Catholic television sorely lacks resources.

In New Year, constantly ‘seek’ and ‘find’ Jesus, Pope tells Vatican audience

Vatican City, 16th January 2006 (CNA) - Speaking briefly yesterday, on the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Benedict XVI called for an overcoming of “discrimination, injustice and disdain for the human person,” particularly in cases of migrants dwelling in foreign lands.

Imitate Christ: who came not to be served but to serve, Pope tells Pontifical workers

Vatican City, 13th January 2006 (CNA) - Speaking today to members of the “sediari pontifici”, the group of men who are historically charged with bearing the literal “chair” of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict explained that the benchmark of a Christian lifestyle, and particularly of members of the Pontifical Household, is one of service.

Civil authorities obliged to care for families, elderly, sick, and unborn, says Pope

Vatican City, 12th January 2006 (CNA) - In a traditional New Year’s gathering, Pope Benedict today met with civic leaders from around Rome, to whom he strongly stressed the importance of caring for the moral institution of marriage, and for families.

Christ’s victory not warlike, says Pope, but offers world freedom from evil

Vatican City, 11th January 2006 (CNA) - In his weekly audience given earlier today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict reminded some 8,000 listeners that the victory of Christ was not political or warlike, but rather an “intervention of freedom against evil.”

United States Bishops launch New Media Campaign Focusing on Solutions to Poverty

Washington DC, 6th January 2006 (CNA) - The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) this month launched a new national awareness campaign that calls attention to the 37 million Americans now living in poverty, in “Poverty in America Awareness Month.”

Pope Benedict: True human progress leads man closer to Christ

Vatican City, 4th January 2006 (CNA) - In his first general audience for 2006, held today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI used the words of St. Paul to show that human history must progress toward a concrete goal: one that is grounded in Christ, the Savior.

America to publish apology on offensive add for Virgin Mary statue covered with a condom

New York, 19th December 2005 (CNA) - America magazine will publish an apology on Today’s edition about an add for a offensive Virgin Mary statue.

Pope Benedict appoints top Vatican diplomat as Papal Nuncio to the US

Washington DC, 17th December 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI appointed this Saturday Archbishop Pietro Sambi, widely regarded as one of the Vatican’s most able diplomats, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He replaces Colombian-born Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, whose resignation was accepted upon his reaching the age limit of 75.

Pope encourages family Nativity scenes, condemns Christmas commercialism

Vatican City, 12th December 2005 (CNA) - Before praying his weekly Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI chided the increased commercialism surrounding Christmas, and stressed the importance of Nativity scenes in family homes.

Pope: World needs example of religious life

Vatican City, 12th December 2005 (CNA) - During a meeting Saturday, with members of consecrated religious communities and institutions around Rome, Pope Benedict said that; absorbed by things of this world, modern man needs their holy example more than ever. 

Mary, Mother of the Church and guardian of Vatican II, inspires Christians to goodness, purity, says Pope

Vatican City, 9th December 2005 (CNA) - At the close of the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago, Pope Paul VI entrusted the implementation of the new documents to Mary, calling her by the title; Mother of the Church. Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI called this the greatest ecclesial moment of the 20th century.

Dissident theologians participate in the canonization process of Pope John Paul II

Rome, 6th December 2005 (CNA) - Dissident theologians opposing the beatification of Pope John Paul II have issued an appeal urging Catholics critical of the late pope to tell the Vatican if they also think he should not be made a saint.

Pope calls marriage ‘the heritage of humanity’

Vatican City, 5th December 2005 (CNA) - On Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI met with representatives of Latin American family and life groups, to whom he stressed the value of human life in the face of new ethical issues, and the need for faithfulness, and openness to life within marriage.

Italian bishops discourage mixed marriages

Rome, 2nd December 2005 (CNA) - The Bishops’ Conference of Italy has issued a statement discouraging mixed marriages, especially between Catholics and Muslims, citing the numerous problems such unions pose for couples.

Pope Benedict could visit Poland in June 2006

Krakow, 2nd December 2005 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Krakow and former personal Secretary of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz announced that Pope Benedict XVI could make a visit to the land of Pope Karol Wojtyla next  June.

Vatican officially releases instruction on homosexuals in seminaries

Vatican City, 29th November 2005 (CNA) - Today, the Vatican officially released its hotly debated new document regarding the admission of homosexuals to the priesthood. An Italian Catholic news agency leaked the document last week and a Vatican source had confirmed its authenticity, making the document’s contents already known.

Hope of Advent is pointed toward the future, but rooted in the past, says Pope

Vatican City, 28th November 2005 (CNA) - Before praying his weekly Angelus prayer with a large group of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Sunday, Pope Benedict urged Christians to utilize the period of Advent to reawaken their hearts, so that with God’s help, they can renew the world.

Bond between John Paul II and his people will never be broken, says Pope

Vatican City, 18th November 2005 (CNA) - Last evening, Pope Benedict was treated to a special screening of the new film, “Pope John Paul II" which, he said, renewed in him a sense of gratitude to God for giving the Church a Pope of “such exalted human and spiritual stature.”

U.S. Bishops call for end to use of death penalty

Washington DC, 16th November 2005 (CNA) - While pointing out that its moral gravity is different from that of always-evil acts like abortion and euthanasia, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has overwhelmingly approved a new statement, which calls for an end to this country’s use of the death penalty in a 237-4 vote.

Through periods of trial and liberation, God is always with His people, says Pope

Vatican City, 16th November 2005 (CNA) - The continued presence of God with His people throughout history was the major theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly Wednesday audience, held earlier today at the Vatican.

Pope shares concerns of Italian Bishops for Priest shortage and calls for better formation of priests

Rome, Nov. 15, 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict said he shared the Italian Bishops concern over the current shortage of priests in a message he sent as they gathered these days in Assisi for their General Assembly. 

Vatican seminar will discuss role of sports in Church’s mission of evangelization

Vatican City, 10th November  2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced a unique, upcoming conference today, which will look at the role of the Christian mission in the field of sports.

Devotion to Mary growing among Protestants in England

London, 10th November 2005 (CNA) - Devotion to Mary is growing among Anglicans, Fr. Noel Wynn told the New York Times. Fr. Wynn is the director of the Roman Catholic Marian shrine in Walsingham, known as “England’s Nazareth.”

Look to Mary for guidance, Madrid cardinal tells families

Madrid, 10th November 2005 (CNA) - During a Mass honoring Our Lady of Almudena, the patroness of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela emphasized the importance of devotion to Mary and called on believers to open a place for her in their homes and to look to her as the model for families and the example of “the virtue of Christian strength.”

Through creation, mankind can ascend to the greatness of God, to His loving mercy, says Pope

Vatican City, 9th November 2005 (CNA) - During his weekly audience, given today before thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the mercy of God, and His accessibility to mankind through creation.

U.S. releases list of countries that deny religious freedom

Washington DC, 9th November 2005 (CNA) - China and Vietnam have been renamed to the U.S. government’s list of countries designated as Countries of Particular Concern due to their policies that deny citizens religious freedom and human rights.

Many Protestants discovering devotion to Mary

Columbia, S.C, 9th November 2005 (CNA) - They’re praying the rosary, holding Bible studies which look at Mary as a model of Christian holiness, and wearing trendy t-shirts emblazoned with things like ‘Mary is my home girl.’ The odd thing is that they’re Protestant.

Scientific advancement can be blessing to man, or his ruin, says Pope

Vatican City, 3rd November 2005 (CNA) - Earlier this morning, the Holy Father met with a group of delegates from the Bavarian Parliament and stressed the importance of scientific research and development for mankind. He highlighted however, that it may never come at the expense of human dignity.

Follow a morally unexceptionable life, says Pope in Angelus, as Church remembers deceased

Vatican City, 2nd November 2005 (CNA) - “After yesterday’s celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints, today’s Liturgy invites us to pray for our dear ones who have left us. As we face the mystery of death, Sacred Scripture strengthens our hope by assuring us that all who live in accordance with the Word of God are reborn into the fullness of life.”

Orthodox-Catholic consultation reviews relations between churches

Washington DC, 28th October 2005 (CNA) - More than a dozen clerics and theologians gathered in Washington last week to consider and discuss the advancements in Orthodox-Catholic relations, in particular in the last 40 years.

Bishops urge concrete action to increase respect, understanding of Eucharist: seminary formation, penance, reverent posture

Vatican City, 10th October 2005 (CNA) - As over 200 bishops continue to meet in Rome for the 11th General Synod of Bishops, heavy emphasis has been placed, in recent days, on specific ways that the faithful might better respect and come to a fuller appreciation for the Eucharist and its meaning for the worldwide Church.

Proper celebration of liturgy sends faithful away strengthened, nourished, ready to Evangelize, say bishops

Vatican City, 7th October 2005 (CNA) - 245 prelates from around the world began their eighth session of the 11th General Synod of Bishops this morning at the Vatican. The subject of liturgical reform and the deep consequences thereof played a particularly prominent role in the discussions.  

Bishops debate proper respect for Eucharist

Vatican City, 6th October 2005 (CNA) - 243 bishops assembled this morning for the 6th meeting of the 11th General Synod of Bishops being held this week at the Vatican. Pope Benedict was on hand as the morning discussions largely addressed questions of proper respect for the sacredness of the Eucharist, specifically in liturgy and reception, and the broader implications thereof.

Eucharist is antidote for culture of death, say bishops

Vatican City, 6th October 2005 (CNA) - As the 11th General Synod of bishops continued their fourth day of meetings yesterday in Rome, the idea of the Eucharist, as an antidote to what John Paul II coined as the "culture of death", figured prominently in the remarks of many prelates.

Pope Benedict to Mexican Bishops: faith shouldn’t be reduced to private sphere

Vatican City, 23rd September 2005 (CNA) - Speaking to visiting Mexican bishops earlier today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict stressed the need for strengthening the family and building up of an authentic culture of life in that country, respectful of the humanity of all its citizens.

Pope Benedict XVI will talk about John Paul II in first televised interview

Vatican City, 22nd September 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI decided to grant his first televised interview, in which he will talk about his predecessor Pope John Paul II, and his possible trip to Poland in 2006. The Pontiff granted the interview to the Polish public canal TVP and was recorded last Tuesday.

Vatican to open museums, catacombs, share Christian history in celebration of European Heritage Day

Vatican City, 20th September 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced today that it will once again take part in the annual "European Heritage Day", on September 25th, and will open all Vatican museums and Roman catacombs to the public for free that day.

Holy See rejects accusations of harboring Croatian war criminal

Vatican City, 20th September 2005 (CNA) - The spokesman for the Holy See, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, and the Croatian Episcopal Conference both rejected the accusations of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for Ex-Yougoslavia (TPIY), Carla del Ponte, of protecting alleged war criminals.

Pope Benedict: Church is fed on Holy Scriptures, faithful must learn to study and announce it's message

Vatican City, 16th September 2005 (CNA) - Meeting with Biblical scholars at his Castelgandolfo summer residence earlier today, Pope Benedict said that the Church must live off and be constantly renewed by the Word of God in the holy scriptures.

Old Testament Temple points toward Christ, symbolizes God's presence with His people, says Pope

Vatican City, 14th September 2005 (CNA) - In his general audience today, held at St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI told gathered pilgrims that the relationship between the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant and God's people in the Old Testament can provide Catholics with a window into their place in the Church in the new covenant and even in the Mass.

China confirms it will not let Bishop travel, sets conditions to renew relations with Vatican

Rome, 13th September 2005 (CNA) - The spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Secretary Qin Gang confirmed that his government has not granted permission to four bishops to travel to Rome, to participate to the Synod of Bishops, and subsequently worded three conditions in order to reestablish formal relations with the Holy See.

Celebration of Eucharist, unites us to Christ's cross, says Pope

Vatican City, 12th September 2005 (CNA) - During his noontime Angelus prayer yesterday, held at the papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI invited gathered pilgrims to meditate on the unique and indissoluble bond which unites the celebration of the Eucharist in the Mass, with the mystery of the cross.

Vatican reconfirms 5 canonizations and 26 blesseds to be declared in October: Pope Benedict following John Paul’s lead

Vatican City, 9 September 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican reconfirmed today that Pope Benedict XVI plans to canonize five blesseds and declare 26 beatifications later this month.

Catholic Church responds massively to Katrina refugees

Washington DC, 2nd September 2005 (CNA) - The response from Catholic dioceses, communities and organizations to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast has been immediate and far-reaching.

Vatican radio given legal rights to Pope Benedict's voice

Vatican City, 2nd September 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced today that Pope Benedict XVI has legally entrusted Vatican Radio with the copyright and intellectual property rights to all of his voice recordings--even those made prior to his election to the papacy.

Schismatic groups calls on Rome to make first move toward reconciliation

Rome, 31st August 2005 (CNA) - The schismatic Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) says the first step toward reconciliation and recognition of the group within the Church should come from Rome.

Holy See to publish document on admittance of homosexuals to seminaries

Rome, 31st August 2005 (CNA) - The Congregation for Catholic Education, headed by Cardinal Zenon Grockolewski, will publish a document clarifying the Church’s policy on the admittance of persons with homosexual orientations to seminaries.

Without God, human efforts will fail, Pope says

Vatican City, 31st August 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict reminded the faithful today during his weekly general audience that only with God’s help will humans succeed in their projects and endeavors.

Vatican newspaper editor says Pope John Paul II was ‘martyr’

Vatican City, 26th August 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II, who was shot at in 1981 and survived though with many health problems, was “an authentic martyred Pope,” said the editor-in-chief of the Vatincan’s daily newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

Pope would visit Poland in 2006, declaration of Polish Bishop

Rome, 26th August 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI  could travel to Poland in 2006, in a declaration from Bishop Kazimierz Nycz, to oversee the Polish Episcopal encounter in Czestochowa.

Israel and Vatican reconcile after dispute over pope's comments, Pope to meet with chief rabbis on September 15th.

Rome, 26th August 2005 (CNA) - Dispute between Israel and the Vatican over recent comments the Pope made on terrorism appears to have been resolved after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI calling him "a true friend of Israel," Israel's ambassador to the Vatican said Friday.

The Pope hopes new Iraqi Constitution respects religious freedom

Vatican City, 25th August 2005 (CNA) - As he received the new  Iraqi  Foreign Affairs Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Pope Benedict expressed  this Thursday his wishes that the new Iraqi constitution  respects the right to religious freedom.

Meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and the Lefebvrists could initiate path towards reconciliation

Vatican City, 23rd August 2005 (CNA) - The schismatic branch created by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre might begin path to return to the heart of the Catholic Church during next encounter that will be held by Pope Benedict XV, with the current schismatic leader, Bernard Fellay.

Next WYD: Sidney, Australia 2008

Cologne, 22nd August 2005 (CNA) - At the end of the mass, Pope Benedict confirmed what many had already suspected—the next WYD will be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2008.

True revolution comes from God and the saints, Pope tells 700,000 youth

Cologne, 20th August 2005 (CNA) - Enthusiasm swept through the crowd as Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Marienfeld Saturday evening for the World Youth Day vigil.

Pope denounces terrorism, says improved relations with Muslims is ‘vital’

Cologne, 20th August 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI addressed the issue of terrorism head on in his first meeting with 10 of Germany’s Muslim community leaders Saturday. He also reaffirmed his commitment to work toward improved relations between Christians and Muslims, which are “vital.”

Pope Benedict's first speech to youth “Let yourselves be surprised by Christ!”

Cologne, 18th August 2005 (CNA) - Welcomed by a cheering crowd along the banks of the Rhine river, Pope Benedict spoke for the first time to the youth describing himself as a pilgrim, along with the thousands of young people coming from around the world.

Publisher, papal friend says Pope’s new book focuses on beauty, personal relationship with Christ

Naples, 18th August 2005 (CNA) - In an interview with CNA yesterday, Fr. Joseph Fessio, founder of Ignatius Press and personal friend of Pope Benedict XVI offered insights into the Holy Father’s soon-to-be-released On the Way to Jesus Christ--his first book to be released in English since his election.

Founder of Taizé community murdered, Pope Benedict expresses grief

Taize, 17th August 2005 (CNA) - Catholics and Protestants alike are shocked today at the stabbing to  death of Brother Roger Schultz, founder of the well respected ecumenical Taizé monastic community in eastern France.

WYD 2005 is event ‘of two Popes’, says Cardinal Meisner

Cologne, 16th August 2005 (CNA) - World Youth Day 2005 “will be celebrated with two Popes—one in heaven above and the other here on earth,” said Cardinal Joachim Meisner today in his comments at the opening press conference before more than 400 international journalists.

WYD launched, bishops express hope that event will have international impact

Cologne, 16th August 2005 (CNA) - After three years of careful planning, World Youth Day 2005 has finally arrived, and the German bishops agree that the international event will be profound for the Church in Germany, in Europe and around the world.

Mel Gibson invited to reenact Stations of the Cross for WYD 2008

Sydney, 9th August 2005 (CNA) - Although the location of the next World Youth Day has not yet been made public, Cardinal George Pell of Sydney has asked Mel Gibson to recreate the Passion of the Christ there for a World Youth Day in 2008.

Archbishop warns of hostility against Christianity; calls Catholics to play role in American life

Denver, 9th August 2005 (CNA) - Denver’s Archbishop Charles Chaput, who made headlines during last fall’s presidential election for speaking out on the role that U.S. Catholics should play in government and public life, warned in his recent column about a “growing hostility to the Christian faith” which he says is right in the U.S.’s backyard.

US has new Vatican ambassador

Washington DC, 3rd August 2005 (CNA) - President George Bush has nominated Florida businessman Laurence Francis Rooney to be the new ambassador to the Vatican, replacing Jim Nicholson.

Barriers lifting between Catholics and Evangelicals, say researchers

Washington DC, 2nd August 2005 (CNA) - The relationship between Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics has improved dramatically in the United States in recent decades, and increasingly these two groups have ever more in common both politically and spiritually.

Number of Christians surges in China

Beijing, 2nd August 2005 (CNA) - A report in The Age says that Chinese Christians currently outnumber members of the Communist Party. The Gospel message is being spread everywhere, in the countryside and in the cities, and even in uncommon places, like beauty salons.

Pope urges all youth to make spiritual pilgrimage leading up to WYD

Castel Gandolfo, 1st August 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI invited the young Catholics of the world, even those who are unable to participate at World Youth Day (WYD) in Cologne, Germany, in mid-August “to be united in a common spiritual pilgrimage toward the sources” of the Catholic faith during this time.

Pope’s new book to be finished this summer

Vatican City, 29th July 2005 (CNA) - According to Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Pope Benedict’s new book could be finished before the end of the summer.

New bishop in China receives approval by Rome, Beijing

Xi’an, 29th July 2005 (CNA) - Chinese government representatives joined 2,000 Catholics and 100 priests for the episcopal ordination of Bishop Anthony Dang Mingyan July 26 in the Archdiocese of Xi’an.

Pope addresses vocation crisis, lack of faith in Church; says ‘suffering is the way to transformation’

Vatican City, 28th July 2005 (CNA) - On Monday, Pope Benedict met with clergy of the diocese of Aosta, Italy, where he just finished his summer vacation today. The text of the meeting was published yesterday and shows that his discussions centered on the crisis of faith in the world today, the role of divorced Catholics in the Church and the challenge of vocations.

Vatican calls Israeli criticism of Pope unfounded, says attacks were included in statement

Vatican City, 26th July 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican reacted yesterday to harsh criticism from Israel over a claim that they were deliberately ignored during a brief listing of nations that experienced recent terrorist attacks by the Pope during Sunday’s Angelus--a claim that the Vatican called unfounded.

Pope meets the press, calls fervent prayers for peace best way to combat terrorism

Vatican City, 21st July 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, on the eve of the two week anniversary of the London blasts which killed 56 commuters, and in light of today’s evacuation of three more underground stations, Pope Benedict XVI said that terrorism must be fought with sincere prayer for peace, and dialogue--especially among the three religions which recognize Abraham as Father.

Cardinal Sodano warns that tourism must respect persons and cultures

Vatican City, 20th July 2005 (CNA) - In a letter sent in the name of the Holy Father to Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Immigrant Peoples, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano warned that with the growth of world tourism, respect for individual cultures and religions must be upheld and encouraged Christian communities to share the life of Christ with tourists.

Vatican condemns vaccines derived from aborted fetuses, puts onus on pharma

Vatican City, 19th July 2005 (CNA) - In a recent document, the Vatican has condemned the production and use of vaccines derived from aborted fetal cell lines. 

Pope Benedict reveals new style in first three months of Pontificate, says analyst

Rome, 15th July 2005 (CNA) - In a column published Friday by the Italian online magazine L’Espresso Vatican analyst Sandro Magister notes that, three months after the beginning of his Pontificate, Benedict XVI has marked out his own style, although most of the mainstream media, as expected, continues to treat him with hostility.

Italian Bishop murdered in Kenya; police, Vatican still asking why?

Vatican City, 15th July 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican has announced that Bishop Luigi Locati, Apostolic vicar of Isiolo (Kenya)  was shot dead as he returned home from a parish center last night.

Pope to write first encyclical during vacation

Vatican City, 13th July 2005 (CNA) - Sources close to the Holy See said this week Pope Benedict XVI, who began a 17-day vacation on Monday in the Italian Alps, might take advantage of the brief time away from the Vatican to begin writing his first encyclical.

New Vatican document calls prostitution an ‘act of violence’ and a ‘form of slavery’

Vatican City, 12th July 2005 (CNA) - In a new document released yesterday the Vatican called prostitution a “form of modern day slavery” and an act of violence against women, saying that it gravely violates basic human rights.

Vatican to present consolidated budget for 2004

Vatican City, 8th July 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced this morning that members of the Holy See’s Prefuncture for Economic Affairs will present last year’s consolidated budget during a press conference on Monday.