Observer

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

The Pope accepts resignation of Archbishop admitted to have collaborated with Polish communism regime

Vatican City, 8th January 2007 (CNA) - The Press Office of the Holy See has confirmed Pope Benedict XVI’s acceptance of the resignation of Monsignor Stanislaw Wielgus as the Archbishop of Warsaw (Poland).  Wielgus, who submitted his resignation only hours after taking on his new position, has admitted to collaborating with the Communist regime during their control of Poland.

Pope Benedict receives more than three million people at Vatican in 2006

Vatican City, 29th December 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican announced this week that during the past year more than three million faithful participated in public meetings with the Pope, either in the Vatican or at his summer residence of Castelgandolfo.

Man gives glory to God by receiving His Christmas gift of love, Pope says

Vatican City, 27th December 2006 (CNA) - Nearly seven thousand people gathered this morning in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall to participate in Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly General Audience.  The Holy Father told those gathered that only by welcoming God’s Christmas gift of love in the Incarnation will man be able to adequately give Glory to God and build peace in the World.

Christmas gifts are a reminder of Jesus, the greatest gift given to mankind

Vatican City, 15th December 2006 (CNA) - During a meeting held with the university students of Rome Thursday afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI recalled that Christmas is, above all else, the celebration of the greatest gift God has given to mankind, the gift of Himself.

Vatican denounces Iranian conference that questions the Holocaust

Vatican City, 13th December 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican has joined Western leaders in criticizing a conference taking place in Iran this week.  The conference’s goal is to question whether the Holocaust actually happened and to discredit the existence of Israel.

Advent invites man to continue building the ‘house of God’ in the world

Vatican City, 11th December 2006 (CNA) - Shortly after returning from the dedication of a new Roman parish, Pope Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study Sunday to pray the Angelus with the thousands of pilgrims gathered below in St. Peter's Square.  The Holy Father encouraged the pilgrims to consider how the season of Advent reminds the Church of its mission to continue building the house of God among mankind.

Pope prays that mankind might give their "yes" like Mary

Rome, 9th December 2006 (CNA) - After praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square today, Pope Benedict XVI, traveled to the Spanish Steps to lay flowers at the base of the Marian statue which sits in the middle of the Piazza di Spagna.  During the trip, the tradition for which began not long after Pope Pius IX declared Mary the “Immaculate Conception,” the Holy Father offered a prayer for Rome, Italy, and the entire world through Mary’s intercession.  

The Immaculate Mary shows the Church its vocation

Vatican City, 8th December 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI greeted thousands of pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square today for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and prayed the Angelus with them.  Prior to leading the Angelus, the Holy Father pointed out that in her receiving of Christ in faith and offering Him to the world the Immaculate Virgin showed to us the vocation and mission of the Church.

Prefect for Clergy clarifies statements on celibacy

Sundays are the “primordial nucleus” of the liturgical year, Pope affirms

Vatican City, 1st December 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message to Cardinal Francis Arinze ahead of the Congregation for Divine Worship’s study day on the Sunday Mass.  The Holy Father told those involved in the study group that Sundays remain the central focus of the Church’s liturgical year and that there is a need to, “reiterate the sacred nature of the Lord’s day and the need to participate in Sunday Mass.

Pope says Church in Turkey asks to live with the freedom to reveal Christ

Istanbul, 1st December 2006 (CNA) - On the last day of his Apostolic voyage to Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass for the country’s Catholic community, affirming that the Church does not wish to impose its faith on anyone but, “merely asks to live in freedom,” in order to reveal Christ Jesus.

Pope Benedict visits Hagia Sofia and becomes second Pope to enter a mosque

Istanbul, 1st December 2006 (CNA) - On the third day of his pastoral visit to Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI visited the historic Cathedral-turned-museum Hagia Sofia, one of the most important symbols of the country, as well as the Blue Mosque, the central Mosque of Istanbul.  The Pope became only the second Pope to ever enter a Muslim house of prayer.

Pope and Patriarch sign common declaration on Orthodox-Catholic relations

Istanbul, 30th November 2006 (CNA) - Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle and Patron of the Church of Constantinople, Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I signed a common declaration on the relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.  The two gave thanks to God, who by His work has given them the gift of this “fraternal encounter.”

Pope meets with diplomatic corps, emphasizes need for intercultural cooperation

Ankara, 29th November 2006 (CNA) - Concluding his first day in Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI met this evening with members of the international diplomatic corps at the Apostolic Nunciature in Ankara.  The Pope emphasized the need for continued intercultural and interreligious cooperation in order to bring an end to terrorism and regional conflicts as well as to find solutions to problems of economic inequality, oppression, and disease.

Benedict XVI and Bartholomew I pray in Istanbul for unity between Churches

Istanbul, 29th November 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Istanbul this afternoon and prayed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.  The two leaders offered conciliatory words and mentioned the steps in ecumenism already taken by their predecessors.

Christian art can serve as evangelization tool for non-believers, Pope says

Vatican City, 24th November 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI discussed last night, how Christian art, especially that found in the Vatican Museums, can appeal to those who are not Catholic, or even believers at all and present them with certain Christian truths.

Holy Father and Archbishop of Canterbury sign common declaration

Vatican City, 23rd November 2006 (CNA) - Following their private meeting this morning, the Pope and the archbishop of Canterbury signed a Common Declaration in the presence of members of the Anglican delegation accompanying the archbishop, and of Catholic representatives led by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster.

Vatican reaffirms the value of priestly celibacy

Vatican City, 16th November 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican released a short statement at the conclusion of Pope Benedict XVI’s three hour meeting with heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia today.  The statement confirmed the Church’s adherence to the discipline of priestly celibacy for Latin Rite priests.

Crisis of secularization is providential challenge of our day, Pope tells German bishops

Vatican City, 10th November  2006 (CNA) - Meeting with a group of German bishops for their “ad limina” visit today, Pope Benedict XVI said that the “crisis of secularization” is the providential challenge of our day.  The Holy Father emphasized the urgent need to offer convincing answers to the many that seek and look with hope to the Christian message.

Fundamental questions of mankind unanswerable without God

Rome, 3rd November 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI spoke this morning at the Pontifical Gregorian University, which was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola and is considered the mother of the Jesuit order’s extensive system of universities.  The Holy Father reminded students, faculty, and benefactors of the university that the fundamental questions of mankind cannot be answered without God.

Pope John Paul II Moves Closer to Sainthood as Archbishop Proclaims Authentic "Miracle"

Salerno, Italy, 3rd November 2006 (LifeSiteNews) - The Archbishop of Salerno, Gerardo Pierro has announced publicly that a medically inexplicable cure of a lung cancer victim is a miracle which will move late Pope John Paul II closer toward being declared a saint in the Catholic Church.  "There is medical proof otherwise I wouldn't have dared bring up the case. The recovery has lasted - a year and a half later, the inexplicable remains confirmed," Archbishop Pierro told the Il Mattino newspaper Thursday.

Pope Benedict reminds Italian Church, only Christ can fulfill the human heart

Vatican City, 20th October 2006 (CNA) - More than 100,000 people gathered in Verona, Italy, Thursday afternoon as Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass for the 4th Italian Ecclesial Congress.  The Pontiff encouraged the Italian faithful to renew their efforts in spreading the Gospel and reminded them that Christ alone can satisfy the expectations of the human heart and answer life’s difficult questions.

Poupard calls for Catholics and Muslims to work together in overcoming terrorism

Vatican City, 20th October 2006 (CNA) - To commemorate the end of the fasting season of Ramadan, Cardinal Paul Poupard, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, sent a message today to Muslims around the world.  The cardinal encouraged continued work in dialogue and spoke out against the “painful scourge” of violence and terrorism, which he said, Muslims and Catholics should struggle to overcome together.

Pope encourages countrymen of excommunicated archbishop to fidelity and holiness

Vatican City, 13th October 2006 (CNA) - Meeting this morning with bishops from Zambia, the homeland of excommunicated archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the bishops to guide their people in a life of prayer and urge their priests to live a life of holiness, not being led astray by the temptations of the world.  The Holy Father met with the bishops as part of their scheduled “ad limina” visit.

Holy See emphasizes development of low-income countries at UN

United Nations, 11th October 2006 (CNA) - Made public this morning was an address given by the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, on the subject of the General Assembly’s “Follow-up and implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development.”  The Vatican representative said particular attention should be given to the economic growth of low-income developing countries.

Pope: Story of Bartholomew recalls importance of personal experience of Christ

Vatican City, 4th Octobre 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI continued his catechesis on the twelve Apostles today, speaking to some 30,000 pilgrims about the lesser known Apostle, St. Bartholomew, during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square. 

Vatican says preparations for papal trip to Turkey continue

Vatican City, 4th October 2006 (CNA) - Despite continuing threats from Islamic extremist groups and warnings from Muslim clerics and politicians in Turkey, preparations for Pope Benedict XVI’s first Papal trip to Turkey are continuing, Vatican officials said this week.

Archbishop Milingo and four others excommunicated

Vatican City, 26th September 2006 (CNA) - In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office this morning the Holy See announced that “unfortunately” scandalous African Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, along with four men he supposedly ordained bishops Sunday, “have incurred excommunication” - according to the directives of Canon Law.

Pope “sincerely regrets” that his words have offended

Vatican City, 16th September 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI regrets that his recent comments have been misinterpreted in an offensive way, thus spurring outrage among many Muslims, according to the Vatican’s Secretary of State.  On the second day of his new job, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone released a statement clarifying that the Pontiff regards Muslims with “respect and esteem,” and calling people to give his remarks a “complete and attentive” reading.

Muslims outraged at Pope’s words, Vatican says he did not intend to offend

Vatican City, 15th September 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI did not intend to offend Muslims with remarks about holy war during his pilgrimage in Germany this week, the Vatican said.  The Pontiff’s remarks, which briefly touched on the irrationality of forcefully compelling people to “believe” in a religion have drawn outrage from several voices in the Muslim world.

Pope Benedict prays at the center of Munich, likens himself to a “beast of burden”

Munich, 9th September 2006 (CNA) - Following a brief visit to Munich’s Georgianum Seminary, Pope Benedict arrived at the city’s central square to the cheers of countless Bavarians.  The Pope greeted the citizens of Munich, the city where he once served as archbishop, and assured them that he remains with them, becoming for them “a beast of burden.”

Benedict arrives in Germany, tells Bavarians to pass on their Catholic history

Munich, 9th September 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI offered words of thanks and encouragement today, as he began his trip through the land of his birth.  The Pontiff was greeted, upon his arrival in Munich, by German President Horst Köhler, Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Bavarian Minister-President Edmund Stoiber, as well as various members of the German Catholic hierarchy and numerous other officials.

Pope begins visit to Bavaria at feet of Mary

Munich, 9th September 2006 (CNA) - The Column of Mary in Munich, with the possible exception of the Marian Shrine of Altötting, is the most popular symbol of Marian devotion in Bavaria.  Pope Benedict XVI chose this monument, which represents the keeping of a promise for a miracle which saved the city from certain destruction, as the place of his first public act in his native land.

Pope visits Veronica’s Veil, tells crowd to search for the face of Christ in their lives

Vatican City, 1st September 2006 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI made a private visit, today, to the popularly venerated Veil of Veronica.  Veronica’s Veil is, according to tradition, a cloth used to wipe the sweat and blood from the face of Jesus on his way to the crucifixion.  The veil is believed to have been miraculously imprinted with an image of the Holy Face.

New Vatican Secretary of State took job after seeing John Paul II in dream

Pope says St. Mathew provides a witness to the mercy of God

Vatican City, 30th August 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI traveled from his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, back to the Vatican to conduct his weekly General Audience with the faithful gathered in the Paul VI auditorium today.  The Holy Father reflected with the crowd, on the mercy of God as evidenced by the life of St. Mathew the Apostle.

Human Genome director rejects use of science to deny existence of God

Pope: Only the Lamb can reveal the ultimate meaning of history in God’s eternal plan

New edition of Theology of the Body translated from original Polish

Pope chose unpretentious and thoughtful Bertone as Secretary of State within first months of Pontificate

Rome, 18th August 2006 (CNA) - An article published in the Italian journal “Il Riformista” today provides a unique glimpse into the man Pope Benedict XVI chose to head what is arguably the most important dicastery of the Vatican.  A surprising choice many Vatican insiders say, decided almost a year before it was announced.

Mary reminds faithful to live with hearts turned to heaven, says Pope

Castelgandolfo, 15th August 2006 (CNA) - The Blessed Virgin encourages the faithful to remain hopeful in the face of the inevitable problems of daily life, said Pope Benedict XVI today on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

To counter secular media, Catholic media should seek and transmit the truth, says Vatican official

Vatican City, 8th August 2006 (CNA) - Archbishop Angelo Amato, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) said in an interview, published this week, that the Catholic media needs to be different from secular news and should seek and transmit the truth of the faith.

Martyrs remind us that Christ is a living and concrete person, Pope Benedict XVI says

Vatican City, 8th August 2006 (CNA) - –In a message sent to the participants of the International Catholic Action Forum taking place in Lugazi, Uganda, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Jesus Christ is not the symbol of some vague, abstract value, but rather a living and concrete Person, an absolutely singular person.”

World reacts to death of Church’s oldest cardinal, ecumenical leader

Vatican City, 4th August 2006 (CNA) - A tireless promoter of Christian unity and the Catholic Church’s oldest cardinal died this week. Cardinal Johannes Willebrands, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, was 97. He had served as a priest for 72 years.  Since the announcement several non-Catholic and non-Christians have expressed their condolences.

Holy See renews call for immediate ceasefire following Rome conference

Rome, 27th July 2006 (CNA) - Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States, spoke this morning about the Rome summit on Lebanon which he attended as an invited observer.  Archbishop Lajolo told Vatican Radio that despite the lack of a definitive statement demanding an immediate ceasefire, many positive results stemmed from the meeting.  Lajolo said that the Vatican continues its call for an immediate cessation of fighting.

Pope expresses hope that Rome conference can bring lasting peace in Holy Land

Valle d'Aosta, 26th July 2006 (CNA) - Ahead of an international meeting for peace, which is taking place today in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI called for continued prayers for peace in Lebanon and expressed his hope that the process of establishing a lasting peace can now begin.

Holy Father calls for prayer and penance for Middle East

Vatican City, 20th July 2006 (CNA) - The Press Office of the Holy See released, today, a communication from Pope Benedict XVI declaring this Sunday a special day of prayer and penance for peace in the Middle East.

Pope working on book and encyclical during vacation

Valle d'Aosta, 18th July 2006 (CNA) - According to several Vatican sources who are following the trip of the Pope to the region of Les Combes, in the northern Alps of Italy, the Pope is working on a book considering the theology of the person of Christ as well as a future encyclical on the importance of human labor.

Pope asks Catholics to pray for Mary’s intercession in Holy Land

Valle d'Aosta, 17th July 2006 (CNA) - After praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in front of the house at Les Combes in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region which he is spending a brief holiday, Pope Benedict XVI called on people to pray for peace in the Holy Land and, in a special way, to pray for the intercession of Mary.

Holy Father celebrates devotion to the Virgin of Mount Carmel

Valle d'Aosta, 17 July 2006 (CNA) - Speaking from the same Italian Alpine chalet where Pope John Paul II often stayed, Pope Benedict XVI recalled on Sunday the Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel and the devotion’s roots in the life of the prophet Elijah.

Vatican worried about escalating attacks in Lebanon

Vatican City, 14th July 2006 (CNA) - Today on Vatican Radio, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano made a declaration regarding the views of the Holy See on the escalating situation in the Holy Land. "The news we are receiving from the Middle East is certainly worrying,” Sodano said. "The Holy Father Benedict XVI and all his collaborators are following with great attention the latest dramatic episodes, which risk degenerating into a conflict with international repercussions.”

Catholic Mobile launches new wireless content service

Denver, 13th July 2006 (CNA) - Denver based media company, Catholic Mobile announced today the launch of its innovative wireless content delivery service.  With this public launch, Catholic Mobile along with its service in Spanish, Móvil Católico, plans on to becoming the leader in the development and distribution of wireless Catholic based content in North and South America.

Vatican issues statement on Milingo reappearance

Lombardi replaces Navarro-Valls at Vatican press office

Vatican City, 11th July 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J. as the new director of the Holy See Press Office.  Fr. Lombardi will replace Joaquin Navarro-Valls who was appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Madrid cardinal calls Zapatero’s no-show at papal Mass “minor issue” compared to massive turnout of the faithful

Madrid, 11th July 2006 (CNA) - Speaking on the Spanish radio network COPE-which is affiliated with the Bishops’ Conference of Spain-Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela expressed his satisfaction with the success of the World Meeting of Families which concluded on Sunday with a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope tells Croatian Bishops to announce gospel values in face of relativism

Vatican City, 6th July 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI today received prelates from the Croatian Bishops' Conference, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.  The Holy Father called on the bishops to continue preaching the Gospel in their changing country.

Pius XI documents to be released by Vatican Secret Archives

Vatican City, 30th June 2006 (CNA) - Benedict XVI has decreed that as of September 18 - when the Vatican Secret Archives and other archives of the Holy See resume activities after the summer vacation - all documents related to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI will be made available to researchers.

Pope reminds faithful to pray for priests

Vatican City, 26th June 2006 (CNA) - On Sunday, during his Angelus Address, Pope Benedict took a moment to reflect upon the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which fell on Saturday, as well as the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which took place on Friday.

Pope begins path to a Sainthood declaration for 149 Spanish Martyrs

Pope: Gospel “does not hinder man’s freedom”

Vatican City, 23rd June 2006 (CNA) - This morning, the Holy Father received prelates from the episcopal conferences of the Baltic States - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.  Pope Benedict encouraged the bishops and reminded them that the Gospel will aid them in healing the wounds of communism and confronting secularism.

Pope Benedict teaches about James, the "son of thunder"

Vatican City, 21st June 2006 (CNA) - Today in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI discussed the Apostle, "James the Greater," during his weekly general audience.  The Holy Father told the crowd of 25,000 people that James possessed an “impetuous zeal” and can teach us, “willingness to bear witness to Him with courage.”

Papal spokesman announces desire to leave post

Vatican City, 19th June 2006 (CNA) - The director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, announced on Saturday during a television interview that he has submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI after 22 years at the post.

Benedict says Eucharist is the “treasure” of the Church

Vatican City, 19th June 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged, during his weekly Angelus address, that Sunday marked the celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ) in most of the world.

Holy See issues plea for peace in the Holy Land

Vatican City, 15th June 2006 (CNA) - Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Director of the Press Office of the Holy See released a statement yesterday calling for an end to the escalating violence in the Holy Land.

More than 10% of Canadians Do Not Believe Pedophilia Immoral

Montreal, Quebec, 12th June 2006 (LifeSiteNews) - Leger Marketing conducted a telephone poll of 1,508 Canadian adults between April 17 and April 23. The poll results, with a margin of error of ±2.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, have found that an alarming 11% of Canadians do not consider pedophilia immoral.

Promoting family is essential for development of society

New Vatican document reiterates marriage as the only appropriate place for human procreation

Vatican City, 6th June 2006 (CNA) - The family is the only natural and truly human context for procreation. That is the core message of a document released today by the Pontifical Council for the Family and signed by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo.

Young must see in the Church a friend, not an obstacle, Pope says

Vatican City, 6th June 2006 (CNA) - The Church and its teaching must be presented to the youth as a friend and not as an obstacle to their freedom, Pope Benedict XVI said yesterday evening at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

Blair to meet Pope and invite him to UK

London, 30th May 2006 (CNA) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to have his first papal audience with Pope Benedict XVI this weekend and to invite the pontiff to set a date for his first visit to the UK, the Telegraph reports.

I have come to follow in the footsteps of John Paul II, says Pope on beginning of Apostolic visit to Poland

Warsaw, 25th May 2006 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI arrived today in Poland for a four-day visit, in the homeland of his predecessor John Paul II. "I have come to follow in the footsteps of John Paul II, along the path of his life," Benedict said in Polish to cheers from the crowd of airport staff and dignitaries who were on hand to greet him.

Da Vinci Code: Much-a-do about nothing

Paris, 17th May 2006 (CNA) - “The Da Vinci Code: A film which, finally, the Church has little to be concerned about.” These are the words from Signis, the Catholic communication association, after viewing the much announced movie yesterday.

Believers are called to open their arms and hearts to everyone, whatever their country of origin, says Pope

Vatican City, 15th May 2006 (CNA) - “Christians must particularly open their hearts to the lowliest and the poorest, in whom Christ Himself is especially present,” Pope Benedict XVI declared as he received this morning the participants in the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant peoples.

Benedict XVI recalls miraculous saving of Pope John Paul II in assassination attempt

Vatican City, 15th May 2006 (CNA) - During the Sunday Angelus he presided over this morning, Pope Benedict recalled today the apparitions in Fatima and the prophecy uttered by the “Lady of White Light” to the shepherds: “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” He recalled as well the miraculous saving of his predecessor John Paul II by “the intervention of a maternal hand.”

Vatican prepares for anniversaries of first Fatima appearance, JPII assassination attempt on Saturday

Vatican City, 12th May 2006 (CNA) - Officials at the Vatican are preparing to recognize two major anniversaries tomorrow. May 13th marks both the 89th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary to 3 children in Fatima, Portugal and the 25th anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in St. Peter‘s Square.

Vatican officials decry religious ignorance of ‘Da Vinci Code’

Rome, 12th May 2006 (CNA) - Three top Vatican officials have expressed dismay at what they see as a clear religious ignorance evident in book “The Da Vinci Code,” which will make its film debut on May 18th. During a conference on religion and literature in Rome, the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Paul Poupard, said the Dan Brown book seriously distorts the history of the Church and takes advantage of the ignorance of many Catholics about their faith in order to confuse reality with fiction.  

Pope Benedict thanks Swiss Guard for 500 years of ‘priceless’ service

Vatican City, 5th May, 2006 (CNA) - Following a 720 kilometer trek from Switzerland to Rome, Pope Benedict XVI thanked members of the Swiss Guard who had traced the historic route of their predecessors 500 years ago to protect Pope Julius II and the Catholic Church from its enemies.

‘Gospel of Judas’: an ideological attack against the Church, says Argentinean archbishop

Buenos Aires, 2nd May, 2006 (CNA) - During his television program, “Keys to a Better World,” Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata, Argentina, said this week that the controversial “gospel of Judas” is part of an “ideological attack” against the Catholic faith and the Church.

Church has not changed position on respect for human life, other moral issues, says Msgr. Sgreccia

Vatican City, 24th April 2006 (CNA) - The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Msgr. Elio Sgreccia, responded to statements by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, published Friday by the online Italian magazine “L’Espresso,” and said the Catholic Church has not changed her position on fundamental issues such as the right to life from conception to natural death.

Italian Catholic writer analyses Benedict XVI style on first anniversary

Vatican City, 20th April 2006 (CNA) - As Pope Benedict celebrates a year of pontificate, Italian Catholic writer Vittorio Messori made a thorough depiction of what he considers is the style, thought and “way to proceed”, of the Pontiff, in an interview he gave to Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The balance drafted by Messori, author of “Crossing the threshold of Hope,” conversations with John Paul II, and “Dialogue on faith,” conversations with Cardinal Ratzinger, also includes comparisons between the style of the actual pontiff and his predecessor.

Vatican officials announce plans to celebrate 500th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City, 20th April 2006 (CNA) - As the Church begins its celebrations for the 500th birthday of the largest church in the Christian world, Vatican officials today held a press conference to discuss the rich history of St. Peter’s Basilica and outline plans for the birthday year.

Pope Benedict: Easter liturgy assures us that evil does not have last word

Vatican City, 12th April 2006 (CNA) - As Christians prepare to celebrate the Easter Triduum, which begins tomorrow evening, with the Holy Thursday service, Pope Benedict dedicated his weekly audience to this most holy of liturgical celebrations.

Benedict XVI: The Priest is a friend of Jesus and a man of prayer

Vatican City, 13th April 2006 (CNA) - Celebrating today the chrism Mass in the Basílica of Saint Peters, Pope Benedict said that “the nucleous of the priesthood is to be a friend of Jesus." He invited the priests present to "offer their hands to Christ and be guided by Him.”

Vatican prepares to celebrate 500th birthday of St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City, 11th April 2006 (CNA) - Officials at the Vatican are preparing to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the largest church in the Christian world--St. Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican analyst evaluates pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI

Madrid, 4th April 2006 (CNA) - One year after the death of John Paul II and the beginning of the pontificate of Benedict XVI, Vatican analyst Sandro Magister has offered an evaluation of both papacies, highlighting the similarities and differences in style of the two popes.  

Pope Benedict: John Paul II’s faith was authentic, free from fear and compromise

Vatican City, 4th April 2006 (CNA) - Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI gathered with thousands of faithful from around the world in remembering the late John Paul II--a man whom he called a “rock” in the faith. He passed from this life to the next one year ago Sunday.

Following viewing of new film biography, Pope calls John Paul II ‘tireless prophet of hope and peace’

Vatican City, 31st March 2006 (CNA) - Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI had the opportunity to view the latest in a recent string of films exploring the life of the late John Paul II who died one year ago Sunday. The Holy Father viewed the Italian-made "Karol, un Papa rimasto uomo" or “Karol, a Pope Who Remained a Man,” along with several other Vatican representatives in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

Catholics must be engaged in political debate, says Pope

Vatican City, 30th March 2006 (CNA) - Speaking earlier today to a group of parliamentarians from Europe’s Popular Party, Pope Benedict affirmed the need for a Catholic voice in the public square that informs consciences and helps citizens act “freely and responsibly.”

Pope to European politicians: Ignoring Christian heritage is sign of historical immaturity

Vatican City, 30th March 2006 (CNA) - As he met today with members of the European parliamentary group, the Popular Party, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged Europe to recognize its Christian roots and charged that ignoring them would be a sign of immaturity and even weakness.

Pope Benedict urges world solidarity with persecuted Christians

Vatican City, 27th March 2006 (CNA) - Before praying his weekly Angelus prayer before a crowd of thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Benedict expressed his solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world, sending his “warm encouragement to carry on in the patience and charity of Christ,” awaiting the full realization of the “Kingdom of God to come.”

Pope Benedict, Cardinals discuss lifting excommunications on Lefebvrists, free use of Latin missal

Vatican City, 23rd March 2006 (CNA) - As the Pope met today with members of the College of Cardinals, who are in Rome for tomorrow’s Consistory where 15 new cardinals will be added to their ranks, the subjects of the schismatic Saint Pius X Society as well as the use of the Latin missal and retirement age for bishops largely held the floor.

Pressure mounts on Afghanistan to release Christian convert

Washington DC, 23rd March 2006 (CNA) - An increasing number of groups and governments are calling on Afghanistan to honor the universal human right to religious practice and to release Abdul Rahman, who is being tried in an Afghan court for having converted to Christianity from Islam.

Vatican says abandoned papal title ‘Patriarch of the West’ was unclear, obsolete

Vatican City, 22nd March 2006 (CNA) - Following widespread media speculation on the Vatican’s abandonment of the papal title, “Patriarch of the West”, the Holy See today offered clarification about the move saying the title was unclear and had become obsolete. It’s absence, they added, may now increase chances for meaningful ecumenical dialogue.

Pope calls for spirituality of work that sanctifies but warns: mankind must not be enslaved by it

Vatican City, 20th March 2006 (CNA) - In honor of St. Joseph, patron saint

of workers, Pope Benedict XVI yesterday praised the holiness of work, recalling its biblical mandate and manifestation in Jesus himself, but warned that mankind must not become enslaved by it.

New monthly will provide ongoing information about beatification of John Paul II

Rome, 17th March 2006 (CNA) - The Vicariate of Rome has announced that they will launch a new monthly magazine that will provide ongoing information about the process for the beatification and canonization of Pope John Paul II.

Christian, Jew and Muslim, all believers in one God, must cooperate for good of humanity, says Pope

Vatican City, 16th March 2006 (CNA) - Earlier today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI issued a powerful call for the world’s monotheistic religions to work together through dialogue and mutual respect for the sake of the common good of humanity.

Could reported miracle bring beatification a step closer for John Paul II?

Rome, 14th March 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican will begin an official inquiry this week into what could be the first miracle needed for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, reported NewsMax.com. Exactly two months after the Polish pontiff’s death, a young French nun was healed from Parkinson’s after her community of sisters had prayed for his intercession.

Vatican exhibition to celebrate 500 years of Swiss Guard

Vatican City, 8th March  2006 (CNA) - Officials at the Vatican are celebrating 500 years of protection by the Swiss Guard with a new exhibition commemorating the world’s oldest active military force.

‘To assume the dignity that God wished for us means adopting attitudes at times heroic and worthy of eternal reward’, says Pope

Vatican City, 7th March 2006 (CNA) - This morning, the Vatican released a message sent by Pope Benedict XVI calling for disabled individuals--whom he said, possess the same full human dignity, worth, and rights as all human beings-- to be completely and compassionately inserted into society at large.

Works of charity must not substitute for commitment to social justice, Pope tells Italian business leaders

Vatican City, 6th March 2006 (CNA) - On Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI met with 8,000 members of Italy’s Christian Union of Entrepreneurs and Managers (UCID), with whom he stressed the deep need for a Christian ethic in the world of business, particularly in building a socially just society.

Pope tells Roman clergy: ‘ultimate significance of cross, is offering of self for others’

Vatican City, 3rd March  2006 (CNA) - Yesterday, as the Church began its observance of Lent, Pope Benedict XVI met with clergy from the diocese of Rome, with whom he stressed the importance of ministry to families, to women, to the unborn and ultimately, the ministry of giving their own lives in service to others.