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Benedict XVI recalls his experience of the joy of
God
Castelgandolfo, 8th July 2008 (CNA) - On Saturday morning at Castel
Gandolfo, the Holy Father received a group of pilgrims from Regensburg,
Germany and spoke to them of how singing to God gave him an experience of
God as joy.
In brief remarks to group of faithful, the Pope recalled the "marvelous day"
in September 2006 when he blessed the new organ - the "Benedikt-Orgel" - in
the "Alte Kapelle" of Regensburg, of which his brother, Msgr. Georg
Ratzinger, was once director.
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Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul links missionary and
unitive dimensions
Vatican City, 29th June 2008 (CNA) - Before the thousands of pilgrims
gathered on Sunday in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI recalled that
the missionary dimension represented by St. Paul must always be accompanied
by the dimension of unity represented by St. Peter, upon whom Christ built
His Church. “Christians cannot give sound witness to Christ if they are not
united together,” he said. |
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Opening Pauline Year, Pope calls faithful to
listen to and follow St. Paul in today's world
Rome, 28th June 2008 (CNA) - During the homily at the first Vespers of the
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, in which the Pauline Year was
inaugurated, Pope Benedict XVI stressed that Saint Paul is still a “teacher,
apostle and herald” to the world today, a saint whose experience of Christ’s
love freed him to love God in return. |
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Anglican conference preparing statement about
state of Anglican Communion
Jerusalem, 27th June 2008 (CNA) - At a press conference on Thursday, Kenyan
Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi gave an update on a statement assessing
the state of the Anglican Communion, which is being drafted by the Global
Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) at their Jerusalem meeting.
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China to permit limited Bible distribution at
Olympics
Beijing, 27th June 2008 (CNA) - The Chinese government has said it will
permit booklets of the Gospels, New Testaments, and full Bibles to be
distributed during the Olympic Games, even though it normally controls
publication of the Bible.
The Bible Society, a British-based Christian charity, has confirmed that
50,000 bilingual booklets containing the four Gospels will made available in
the Athletes’ Village in Beijing and five other Olympic Cities.
Additionally, 10,000 New Testaments and 30,000 Bibles will be printed, the
Times Online says.
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Pope’s ancient ornaments and vestments underscore
continuity in the liturgy
Rome, 26th June 2008 (CNA) - The Vatican’s Master of Papal Liturgical
Ceremonies, Msgr. Guido Marini explained that the distinct ancient
liturgical ornaments and vestments being used by Pope Benedict XVI underscore
“the continuity of the current liturgical celebration with that which has
characterized the life of the Church in the past. |
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Pope prefers Communion on the tongue
Vatican City, 25th June 2008 (CNA) - In interview published in the Wednesday
edition of L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict’s new Master of Pontifical
Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Guido Marini, says he believes that
people receiving Communion kneeling and on the tongue will become common
practice at the Vatican. |
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'Look upon the world with the eyes of faith in
order to live in hope'
Vatican City, 23rd June 2008 (CNA) - During a Mass Saturday at the Basilica
of St. John Lateran celebrating his 25th year as bishop and marking the end
of his tenure as Vicar of the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Camilo Ruini left a
“small testament” to the faithful encouraging them to “look upon the world
with the eyes of faith and not to become discouraged ‘like others who have
no hope’.” |
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Eucharist is a ‘mystery of alliance’ not a ‘meal
among friends’
Rome, 23rd June 2008 (CNA) - The Pope addressed participants at the closing
Mass for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada via
satellite from the Vatican yesterday. In his homily, the Pope encouraged to
look at the Eucharist as a “mystery of alliance” and not a “meal among
friends.” He also announced that the next International Eucharistic
Congress will take place in 2012 in Dublin, Ireland.
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Anglican traditionalist conference says it is
defending “authentic Anglicanism”
Jerusalem, 23rd June 2008 (CNA) - The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON),
a group of Anglicans seeking to preserve Christian orthodoxy in the Anglican
Communion, began a key meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, where a prominent
Nigerian archbishop reemphasized the conference would not go into schism.
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Trust in God overcomes fear
Vatican City, 22nd June 2008 (CNA) - Pilgrims gathered under a blazing sun
in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to pray the Angelus prayer at noon with Pope
Benedict XVI. In his remarks preceding the Angelus, Pope Benedict said that
worldly fears can be overcome through trust in God. |
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Catholic Radio receives boost from Pope Benedict
Vatican City, 20th June 2008 (CNA) - Over 100 representatives of Catholic
radio from around the world were greeted by Pope Benedict at the Vatican on
Friday. Through their broadcasts, Catholic radio stations make it possible
for their listeners to open their hearts to Christ, the Pope said.
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Eucharist shows us violence never has the last
word
Vatican City, 19th June 2008 (CNA) - This morning at the Vatican, the Holy
Father recalled the importance of devotion to the Eucharist as he received
prelates from the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference, who have just
completed their "ad limina" visit. “The Eucharist,” the Pope recalled,
“reminds us … violence never has the last word, for Christ has conquered sin
and death through His glorious resurrection.” |
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Vatican press office director says Pius XII
beatification not imminent
Rome, 17th June 2008 (CNA) - Father Frederico Lombardi, director of the Holy
See’s press office, on Tuesday said that the beatification of Pope Pius XII
will not take place in the near future.
The priest spoke at a presentation of November events scheduled to mark the
50th anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s death, ANSA reports.
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Vatican recalls life and teachings of Pius XII 50
years after his death
Vatican City, 17th June 2008 (CNA) - The Holy See has announced that it will
undertake two initiatives to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the
Servant of God Pope Pius XII: a Congress on his Magisterium and a
photographic exhibition of his life. |
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‘Gospel of Judas’ story criticized for ‘scholarly
malpractice’
CNA Staff, 11th June 2008 (CNA) - Prominent scholars have accused the
National Geographic Society’s 2006 series of articles on the Gospel of Judas
of mistranslation, commercial exploitation, and “scholarly malpractice.” A
recent essay in the Chronicle Review asserts that the widely publicized
reports of the gospel’s portrayal of a “noble Judas,” including reports from
the National Geographic project team itself, have been thoroughly challenged
by experts who believe the public has been misled.
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Science and technology will not redeem mankind
Vatican City, 10th June 2008 (CNA) - On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI opened the
congress for the Diocese of Rome on the theme, “Jesus has risen. Educating
for hope in prayer, in action and in suffering.” He told the Romans that
they should not look to science and technology for hope and redemption, but
to instead open their lives to God. |
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Truth is the goal of inter-religious dialogue
Vatican City, 9th June 2008 (CNA) - The Pontifical Council for
Inter-religious Dialogue met for its tenth full assembly this past week to
focus on the theme: “Dialogue in truth and love. Pastoral orientations.” On
Saturday, Pope Benedict spoke to group about the importance of truth being
the goal of all dialogue and charity being the motivation behind all
dialogue.
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'True religion is to love God and neighbor'
Vatican City, 8th June 2008 (CNA) - Thousands of worshippers and pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter's Square despite the summer rains to participate in
the Sunday Angelus with Pope Benedict XVI today. Meditating on the Gospel
for Sunday, the Holy Father noted that "the true religion is to love God and
neighbor" because it "gives value to worship and the practice of the
precepts."
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If you are united to Christ, you will be
successful
Vatican City, 9th June 2008 (CNA) - On Monday morning candidates from the
Holy See’s school for training diplomats had the opportunity to meet with
Pope Benedict XVI. The key to success in their work, the Pope said, is to
love and remain united to Christ and the Church.
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Catholics who cannot explain their faith are easy
prey for religious sects
Caracas, 3rd June 2008 (CNA) - Father Jorge Loring, the famous Spanish
Jesuit apologist, said this week Catholics who are not able to give a reason
for their faith fall easy prey to religious sects such as the Jehovah’s
Witnesses.
Many Catholics are only so in name, he said, “but they don’t know how to
defend the faith” or “to give reasons for being Catholic.” Therefore they
are at risk of being deceived by a non-Catholic, the Spanish priest stated
during a visit to Valencia in Venezuela.
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Famous exorcist: 'The devil loves to take over
those who hold political office'
Rome, 6th June 2008 (CNA) - In an interview with the magazine “Maria
Mensajera,” famous Italian exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth said, “Everybody
is vulnerable to the work of Satan” and that “the devil loves to take over
those who hold political office.”
The Spanish daily “La Razon” published the interview in an article by
Alexander Smoltczyk in which the 82 year-old priest describes what happens
in an exorcism. He said he has performed more than 70,000.
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St. Gregory the Great's humility is the measure of
his greatness
Vatican City, 4th June 2008 (CNA) - Pope
Benedict held his weekly General Audience this Wednesday in St. Peter's
Square. As he pondered what makes St. Gregory the Great truly deserving of
his title, the Holy Father said that his humility is the true measure of his
greatness.
Today's general audience marks the second week in a row that the Pope has
devoted his address to Gregory the Great. The Holy Father devoted his
remarks today to the saint's literary legacy and his goal of constantly
presenting the Church's teaching on the ways that lead to the contemplation
of God. |
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Police threaten Christians for preaching in Muslim
communities in Britain
London, 4th June 2008 (CNA) - British police said they will not apologize to
two Christian preachers who were threatened with arrest by a Muslim police
officer for preaching Christianity in Muslim communities in the city of
Birmingham.
According to the Telegraph, the incident occurred last February when
Christian ministers Arthur Cunningham and Joseph Abraham were handing out
leaflets and speaking with four Muslim youths about Christianity in
Birmingham.
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Cardinal O’Brien proposes coherent pro-life stand
for UK
Glasgow, 4th June 2008 (CNA) - On Wednesday Cardinal Keith O’Brien,
Archbishop of Glasgow, spoke with members of Parliament at a reception at
the Scotland Office. In his remarks, he defended the coherence of the
Catholic pro-life stand and discussed the proper role of the Church in
political debate. |
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Liberals in Belgium propose euthanasia for
children and persons with dementia
Madrid, 2nd June 2008 (CNA) - The Liberal Party in Belgium has put forth a
measure that would expand the country’s euthanasia law passed in 2002 to
allow it to be applied to children and persons with dementia.
The Spanish online daily Hoy reported that current law in Belgium permits
euthanasia “only for adults and in specific circumstances: terminal
pathologies or illnesses that cause severe pain or suffering. Belgium was
the second country in Europe behind Holland to approve the practice.”
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Textbook for 15 year-olds in Spain attacks the
Church
Madrid, 1st June 2008 (CNA) - The association Educacion y Persona has
denounced a new textbook that aggressively attacks the Church and supports
abortion and is part of the government-sponsored school course Education for
Citizenship. The textbook will be used by 15 year-olds. |
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Mary’s vision of history is the most true and
profound
Vatican City, 2nd June 2008 (CNA) - As May’s last day came to a close on
Saturday, Cardinal Angelo Comastri and Pope Benedict held a celebration to
mark the end of the month of Mary. In his words on Mary, the Pope pointed to
how her Magnificat remains the truest and most insightful understanding of
history. |
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Holy Father announces the ‘Exposition of the
Shroud’ in 2010
Vatican City, 2nd June 2008 (CNA) - Today the Pope welcomed 7,000 faithful
from the archdiocese of Turin, Italy. After extolling their efforts to grow
deeper in the faith, the Holy Father announced that in the spring of 2010,
there will be an exposition of the Shroud of Turin. |
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Bishops call on Mexicans to bravely defend life
Mexico City, 30th May 2008 (CNA) - The Bishops’ Conference of Mexico has
sent a message to Catholics urging them to courageously defend the unborn as
a decision by the country’s Supreme Court looms on the constitutionality of
a law allowing abortion in Mexico City. |
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Vatican crypt’s largest tomb restored
Vatican City, 27th May 2008 (CNA) - The crypt below St. Peter’s basilica,
which houses tombs from the first centuries of the Church and some Roman
families, has had its largest mausoleum refurbished, Cardinal Angelo
Comastri announced today.
Cardinal Comastri, who is the archpriest of the papal basilica of St.
Peter's in the Vatican, presented the results of the recently-completed
restoration of the Valerii Mausoleum at a press conference this morning.
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“Nationalism is real danger” in China
Rome, 27th May 2008 (CNA) - In an interview with the Italian daily La Stampa,
Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong warned that “nationalism is a real danger”
in China and could lead to fascism or dictatorship.
Cardinal Zen referred to analysts who “see in recent events in China the
danger that the country is on the road to fascism, or maybe is heading
towards a dictatorial regime with strong nationalist tendencies.”
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Global Catholic population remains steady, Africa
and Asia continue growing
Vatican City, 27th May 2008 (CNA) - The latest statistics for the Catholic
Church have been released by the Vatican for the years 2000-2006. The
results show that the overall population has remained stable but that
Europe’s population has continued to decline while African and Asia have
maintained strong growth. |
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Eucharist should make us attentive to needs of the
poor
Vatican City, 25th May 2008 (CNA) - Speaking to pilgrims about the feast of
Corpus Christi, Pope Benedict XVI said "the Eucharist reveals the true
beauty of Christianity" and is "the school of charity and solidarity that
should make us more attentive to the many people who struggle to procure
their daily bread." |
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German radio documentary says exorcisms are being
outsourced
Berlin, 25th May 2008 (CNA) - A radio documentary reporting that hundreds of
Germans believe themselves to be possessed by demons has drawn attention to
the status of exorcism in the Catholic Church and the lack of exorcists in
Germany. The Times Online explains that the state-run radio network WDR’s
report on exorcism in Germany has sparked the renewed interest . The radio
piece consists of interviews with several exorcists and extracts from
several exorcisms that the network received permission to record.
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Truth is not a threat to tolerance
Valencia, 23rd May 2008 (CNA) - As the Spanish government escalates its
efforts to impose secularism on the country, Cardinal Agustin Garcia-Gasco
of Valencia, responded this week by saying, “Truth is not a threat to the
tolerance of legitimate diversity” nor “does it lead to intolerance of one’s
neighbor.” |
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Vatican daily derides package of anti-life
measures passed in Great Britain
Vatican City, 22nd May 2008 (CNA) - The L’Osservatore Romano published an
article this week slamming an anti-life package passed this week by
Britain’s House of Commons that includes measures allowing the creation of
human-animal embryos, in vitro fertilization, and artificial insemination
for lesbians who want to have a child. |
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The Holy Spirit brings peace that the world cannot
give
Vatican City, 11th May 2008 (CNA) - This morning Pope Benedict XVI
celebrated the Mass of Pentecost at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, the
Holy Father spoke about the ”harmony of gifts” of the Holy Spirit, and
emphasized the responsibility of the Church to become an instrument of
peace, a theme Pope Benedict has recited often in recent days.
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Pope congratulates Israel on statehood, insists on
the rights of Christians
Vatican City, 12th May 2008 (CNA) - Today the new ambassador from Israel to
the Holy See presented his letters of credence to Pope Benedict. After
congratulating Israel on its 60 years of statehood, the Pope surveyed the
difficulties faced by Christians in the region and called for the Israelis
to work for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with the Palestinians.
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Technology is no substitute for marital love
Vatican City, 12th May 2008 (CNA) - On Saturday, Pope Benedict addressed
members of an international conference marking the 40th anniversary of the
promulgation of “Humanae Vitae.” The Holy Father told the participants that
new technological developments cannot replace the quality of marital love or
the sacredness of life. |
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Report suggests Europe an “elderly continent” in
“demographic winter”
Brussels, 10th May 2008 (CNA) - A new report presented to the European
Parliament on Wednesday shows more evidence of a “demographic winter” in
Europe, where a decline in both birth and marriage rates have helped create
an “elderly continent.”
The Institute for Family Policy’s report, “The Evolution of the Family in
Europe 2008,” is a study that was undertaken by experts from several
disciplines including demography, psychology, sociology, and family studies.
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Former Jordanian minister insists Islam will
conquer Rome
CNA Staff, 10th May 2008 (CNA) - A former
Jordanian minister has seized upon commentary about the decline of
Western power, saying on Arabic-language television that Islam will
conquer Rome. He went on to say that Spain is an Islamic land that
should be retaken and that America has begun to realize its “end is
near.” |
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Clergy should refrain from political life, preach
the Gospel instead
Vatican City, 8th May 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict received a large
delegation of Melkite Greek Catholics this morning at the Vatican. The
Pontiff called on the clergy to refrain from becoming involved in
politics and exhorted the local Church to open the path to peace by
proposing the light of the Gospel.
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Famous author slams “adult” Catholics who say they
don’t need Mary
Rome, 9th May 2008 (CNA) - Vitorrio
Messori, the most popular Italian Catholic writer has slammed so-called
“adult” Catholics who want to minimize the role of the Virgin Mary, just
days before the presentation of his new book “Hypothesis About Mary” in
Spain. |
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Padre Pio shrine could top Lourdes in visitors
Rome, 8th May 2008 (CNA) - An Italian business magazine is claiming that the
shrine dedicated to St. Padre Pio has become a bigger attraction than
Lourdes, now that the saint’s body has been put on display.
ANSA reports that Economy magazine says the number of annual visitors to the
southern town of San Giovanni Rotondo will increase to nine million. The
projected total will make the town the world’s second most popular
destination for religious tourists, behind only the Vatican.
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Vatican tells parishes not to open archives to
Mormons
Salt Lake City, 7th May 2008 (CNA) - In a letter sent to all of the
Episcopal conferences of the world, the Congregation for the Clergy has
reiterated the desire of the Holy See that Catholic parishes refrain from
opening their archives to Mormons, who often request information through the
Genealogical Society of Utah. |
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Pope’s main message is to encounter God
Toledo, 7th May 2008 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Toledo, Cardinal Antonio
Canizares, said this week the main message Pope Benedict XVI has conveyed
during his three years as Pontiff is that the fundamental purpose of human
existence is the encounter with God. |
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Swiss Guard swearing-in ceremony highlights corps
history
Vatican City, 5th May 2008 (CNA) - The San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic
Palace will be filled on Tuesday evening with close to 100 of the Pope’s
Swiss Guards decked out in their 16th century black, red, and yellow dress
uniforms. The occasion for the guards’ en masse appearance is the oath
swearing ceremony of 33 new recruits for the papal guard. |
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‘Jesus came into the world to bring the sheep
back’
Vatican City, 4th May 2008 (CNA) - Over 100 thousand people filled St.
Peter's Square with tremendous enthusiasm to pray with Pope Benedict XVI at
noon today. Tens of thousands of members of the Italian Catholic Action
league came from all parts of Italy to meet the Vicar of Christ on the
occasion of its 140th anniversary. |
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Faithful to be able to venerate exhumed remains of
Padre Pio
Rome, 23rd April 2008 (CNA) - The prefect for the Congregation for the
Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Jaime Saraiva Martins, will celebrate a Mass
on Thursday in San Giovanni Rotondo, after which the public will be able to
venerate the exhumed remains of Padre Pio.
Some 750,000 people are already signed up to venerate the remains of San Pio
de Pietrelcina, the Italian saint who bore the stigmata in his hands and
feet for decades.
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More British Catholic Adoption Agencies to Close
Doors instead of Bowing to Sexual Orientation Regulations
Nottingham, 23rd April 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - When the Labour
government's Sexual Orientation Regulations were passed last year, the
leadership of the Catholic Church in England and Wales warned that the new
law would spell the end of Catholic involvement in social service,
particularly adoption. Now the first of the UK's Catholic adoption agencies
affected are announcing they will close their doors for good rather than
betray religious principles and their guiding principle of the good of the
child.
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Pope has helped to close “chapter of shame and
sorrow” in U.S.
Vatican City, 23th April 2008 (CNA) - In statements broadcast by Vatican
Radio, the director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico
Lombardi, said that with his recent visit to the United States, Pope
Benedict XVI has helped the Church in that country to close a chapter of
shame and sorrow over the sex abuse scandal. |
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"Gay" Sex Kills
USA, 21st April 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Can
you imagine officials at a middle school, junior high or high school setting
aside a day to promote "tolerance" for heavy smoking and drinking among
children? How about a day where teachers encourage kids to "embrace who
they are," pick up that crack pipe and give it a stiff toke?
Neither can I. The public would go ballistic, and for good reason. But that hasn't stopped officials in thousands
of schools across the country from promoting other politically correct and
socially "in-vogue" behaviors that - both statistically and manifestly - are
every bit as dangerous as the aforementioned frowned-upon behaviors. |
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Cardinal Trujillo Dies
Rome, 21st April 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The pro-life community is
honouring one of their most resolute members in the Vatican, Alfonso
Cardinal Trujillo, who died Saturday at the age of 72. Ordained in 1960 in
Bogota, Colombia, Cardinal Trujillo had served as the president of the
Pontifical Council for the Family since his appointment by the late Pope
John Paul II in 1990.
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Pope leaves thanking America and pointing to
Christ our Hope
New York, 20th April 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict took his leave this evening
from the United States at JFK International Airport in the presence of over
3,000 well-wishers.
“The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country,” the Pope said.
“These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with
many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my
deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome. It has been a joy for
me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here,’
Benedict XVI shared.
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World needs Christians whose faith is apostolic
New York, 18th April 2008 (CNA) - Around 300 people involved in ecumenical
dialogue gathered on Friday evening at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to hear
Pope Benedict speak to them about their efforts at strengthening Christian
unity. The Pope told the congregation that the world needs to see the
witness of a united Christian community and that this can only be achieved
by a Christianity founded on a non-relativistic faith, a faith based on the
certain teachings of the apostles. |
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Benedict XVI lauds religious freedom,
interreligious dialogue
Washington DC, 17th April 2008 (CNA) - In a meeting with interfaith leaders
at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C on Thursday
evening, Pope Benedict XVI praised American traditions of religious freedom
and religious involvement in public life. He also encouraged inter-faith
cooperation and dialogue as a way of both building mutual understanding and
the strengthening society. However, the Pope also said that such cooperation
and dialogue should not obscure the real differences between religious
faiths.
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Jews and Christians have common spiritual ties and
hope for peace
Washington DC, 17th April 2008 (CNA) - In a meeting following his session
with leaders of non-Christian religions, Pope Benedict gave a special
greeting to the Jewish leaders. He underlined the common spiritual heritage
of the two faiths and asked for cooperation between the two faiths in
working to achieve peace, particularly in the Middle East and the Holy Land. |
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Pope calls on US Bishops to help remove barriers
to encounter with God
Washington DC, 16th April 2008 (CNA) - Speaking to all 350 bishops of the
United States in Washington D.C. this evening, Benedict XVI challenged the
Church leaders to bring the message of hope in Christ to the country by
“clearing away some of the barriers” to “an encounter with the living God".
Among the barriers he mentioned are the view that faith can be separated
from public actions, materialism and individualism. |
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Latinos are future of US Catholic Church
San Antonio, 16th April 2008 (CNA) - Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio
said this week the “future of the Church in the United States is the
Hispanic community,” as more than 40 percent of Catholics in the country are
Latinos.
Archbishop Gomez said he was “pleasantly surprised that Pope Benedict XVI
included a paragraph in Spanish in the message he sent ahead of his visit to
the United States,” and said he hoped the Pontiff would mention the issue of
immigration during his stay in Washington and New York.
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Pope promises to “do everything possible” to heal
scandal of sex abuse
Aboard the papal plane, 15th April 2008 (CNA) - While in transit to the
United States today, Pope Benedict XVI took the opportunity to respond to
the clergy sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, saying that he will
do “everything possible to heal this wound” and that he will work to ensure
pedophiles don't become priests. |
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Official data shows 13,000 baptized in China
during Easter Vigil
Rome, 11th April 2008 (CNA) - The Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples reports that during the Easter Vigil over 13,000 people were
baptized in China.
The Fides news agency reports that in the 80 dioceses of continental China,
“13,608 people were baptized in the Easter Vigil 2008. In addition to the
Sacrament of Baptism, the catechumens also received the other two sacraments
of initiation: Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.”
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Europe should look to St. Benedict for model of
renewal
Vatican City, 9th April 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI held the last general
audience today ahead of next week’s papal trip to the United States, urging
a renewal of the Christian faith in Europe.
With Easter celebrations subsiding, Pope Benedict returned to his teachings
on the lives of the Early Fathers of the Church this Wednesday, as he
greeted 20,000 visitors and pilgrims in an overcast St. Peter's Square. |
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Spanish bishops publish children’s catechism
Madrid, 9th April 2008 (CNA) - Children between the ages of 6 and 10 in
Spain can now learn the basics of the Catholic faith with a new tool
appropriate for today’s society. The Bishops’ Conference of Spain has
published a new catechism entitled, “Jesus is Lord,” which is aimed at kids
who have made their First Communion.
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New book tells story of young Italian police
officer who saved five thousand Jews
Rome, 8th April 2008 (CNA) - On April 1, the Pontifical Lateran University
presented the book, “Capuozzo, Indulge this Child: The Life of Giovanni
Palatucci,” published by Saint Paul Editions. The new book tells the life of
the heroic Italian police officer who saved five thousand Jews during World
War II. |
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Catholic website drawing thousands back to faith
Phoenix, 7th April 2008 (CNA) - In less than three weeks, 3,000 Catholics
returned to the Church in the Diocese of Phoenix due to the effort of a new
lay apostolate, CatholicsComeHome.org. The program consists of a website
and commercials aired on local television that effectively portray the truth
and goodness of the Catholic Church. |
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Pope Calls for End to "Conspiracy of Silence" over
Wounds Caused by "Grave Sins" of Abortion and Divorce
Rome, 7th April 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - This past Saturday Pope Benedict
XVI outlined appropriate pastoral responses to what he called the "wounds of
abortion and divorce," which he said "involve so much suffering in the lives
of individuals, families and society."
The Holy Father was addressing a group of scholars from the Pontifical John
Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family at the Lateran
University. The Institute was holding a several day long conference entitled
"Oil on the Wounds: A Response to the Aftermath of Abortion and Divorce."
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The Church’s opposition to divorce and abortion is
a ‘yes’ to human dignity
Vatican City, 7th April 2008 (CNA) - On Saturday, the Holy Father received
300 participants in an international congress entitled: "Oil on the wounds.
A response to the blight of abortion and divorce". In his address of the
two topics, he stated that though abortion and divorce are separate
decisions, they both “leave wounds that mark life indelibly.” |
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Road to Emmaus gives hope to all Christians
Vatican City, 6th April 2008 (CNA) - The road to Emmaus “is the path of
renewal and maturation in faith for all Christians,” Pope Benedict told
the many thousands of pilgrims that packed St Peter's Square for the Regina
Caeli Prayer today at noon.
The Gospel of this Sunday - the third Easter - is the famous story told of
the disciples of Emmaus (cf. Lk 24,13-35). It tells of two followers of
Christ who, sad and disheartened, left Jerusalem the day after the Sabbath,
the third since his death, to go to a nearby village called Emmaus.
|
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Church moves to allay fears over prayer for Jews
Vatican City, 4th April 2008 (CNA) - Following the publication of the
new prayer for the Jewish people in the 1962 Missal, reaction from some
corners of the Jewish community said that the prayer was anti-Semitic.
Today, the Vatican’s Press Office issued a statement assuring the Jewish
community that the prayer “in no way intends to indicate a change in the
Catholic Church's regard for the Jews”. |
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Christian values only thing holding Britain
together
London, 3rd April 2008 (CNA) - Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop
of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, on
Monday said that “Judeo-Christian values” were the only thing holding
British society together, the Guardian reports. Speaking to the Guardian on
the eve of a lecture series about the place of faith in British public life,
Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor criticized the “aggressive secularism” that he
believes is advancing in the United Kingdom.
|
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John Paul II was “a sign and witness of the
Resurrection of Christ”
Vatican City, 2nd April 2008 (CNA) - Recalling with emotion the passing of
Pope John Paul II three years ago today, Pope Benedict said April 2 will
remain imprinted on the mind of the Church as the day when the Servant of
God departed from this world.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for a memorial Mass in
honor of the beloved pope, whose abiding memory continues to draw thousands
of visitors every day to his tomb inside St. Peter's Basilica.
|
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Mercy of God is “key” to understanding John Paul
II
Vatican City, 2nd April 2008 (CNA) - Speaking to participants of the first
World Congress on Divine Mercy who were at a Mass for the third anniversary
of the death of Pope John Paul II today, the Holy Father explained that the
mercy of God was a key to the late Pope’s pontificate. |
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Vatican report moves Pope John Paul II closer to
beatification
Vatican City, 1st April 2008 (CNA) - The postulator of Pope John Paul II’s
cause of beatification has announced that the report documenting the heroic
virtues of the Pope is nearly ready, according to a Monday announcement on
the official website for the cause of the Pope’s beatification.
The announcement comes just two days before the third anniversary of Pope
John Paul II’s death.
|
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Vatican: Muslims now outnumber Catholics
Vatican City, 31st March 2008 (CNA) - Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism
as the world's largest religion, L’Osservatore Romano reported on Sunday.
"For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have
overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the
Vatican daily.
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John Paul II was an apostle of Divine Mercy
Vatican City, 30th March 2008 (CNA) - Speaking from the Apostolic Palace at
Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will preside over
Mass in memory of John Paul II, who died three years ago on the eve of
Divine Mercy Sunday. The Mass this Wednesday will open the First World
Congress on Apostolic Divine Mercy in Rome.
|
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Hallelujah echoes from the Church’s heart at
Easter
Vatican City, 26th March 2008 (CNA) - On Easter Monday, the Pope
simultaneously addressed pilgrims at Castelgandolfo and in St. Peter’s
Square on the subject of the Easter exclamation “Hallelujah”.
After the grueling schedule of Easter celebrations, Pope Benedict traveled
to the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo to rest. The synchronized prayer
and reflection with the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s was made possible
by a television linkup.
|
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Jesus’ resurrection is “certain proof” of his
teachings
Vatican City, 26th March 2008 (CNA) - Over 30,000 people swelled St. Peter’s
Square today to take part in the weekly general audience with Pope Benedict,
who arrived by helicopter from his Castelgandolfo residence. The Holy
Father’s dedicated his discourse to the period of Easter, and more
specifically, to the fact that Jesus’ resurrection is “'certain proof' ...
that what He says is true". |
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British government to reconsider Catholic monarch
ban
London, 26th March 2008 (CNA) - The British government is considering
whether to abolish the 300-year-old Act of Settlement that forbids Catholics
from sitting on the British throne, the Scotsman reports.
Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, revealed the proposal after he unveiled
the draft of the sweeping Constitutional Reform Bill yesterday.
|
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Survey reveals Americans have positive opinion of
Pope Benedict
New Haven, 26th March 2008 (CNA) - On Tuesday the Knights of Columbus
published the results of a survey they commissioned on American’s opinions
about the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI and their hopes for the papal
visit to the United States in April.
The survey results show that Americans have a generally positive opinion of
the Pope and the Catholic Church. Most hope that during his visit Pope
Benedict will address the place of spiritual values in ordinary life.
|
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Benedict XVI to celebrate Mass on third
anniversary of death of John Paul II
Vatican City, 25th March 2008 (CNA) - The Vatican’s Office of Liturgical
Celebrations has announced that Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate a Mass in
remembrance of Servant of God Pope John Paul II on April 2, the third
anniversary of his death.
His death occurred on April 2, 2005 at 9:37 p.m. Rome time, due to sepsis
and irreversible cardiopulmonary collapse, compounded by Parkinson. He was
nearly 85 years old.
|
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“Magical” chants win Austrian monks recording
contract
Berlin, 24th March 2008 (CNA) - After “blowing away” music executives with
their performance of Gregorian plainchant, a group of Austrian monks has
been given a record deal with Universal Music, the Independent reports.
Universal had been persuaded that there was a market for albums of Gregorian
chant by the success of the video game Halo.
|
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Pope urges all people to be open to redeeming
power of the resurrected Jesus
Vatican City, 23rd March 2008 (CNA) - Speaking this Sunday at noon, as
pilgrims in St Peter's Square braved a steady rain, Pope Benedict XVI
delivered his Easter message calling on those "whose spirit is sincerely
open to the truth" to open their hearts to the omnipotence of Christ's
redeeming love. |
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The Easter Triduum renews in us great hope
Vatican City, 19th March 2008 (CNA) - Today is known as Spy Wednesday,
which, according to the tradition of the Church, commemorates Judas'
betrayal of Jesus on the eve of the last supper. Greeting thousands of
young pilgrims in Rome for Holy Week, Pope Benedict XVI gave a catechesis
on the Easter Triduum, three days that are celebrated as a single event that
form the heart to the Church and of the liturgical year. |
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Pope reflects on Jesus' love to the end
Vatican City, 16th March 2008 (CNA) - Beneath the gaze of the towering
figures of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict presided over the annual Palm
Sunday liturgy in St. Peter's Square this morning. He reminded the audience
that God's power is in the power of love - which is present in the sacrifice
of his Son. |
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Youths confess to the Pope, listen to message of
openness to Holy Spirit
Vatican City, 14th March, 2008 (CNA) - St. Peter’s Basilica was filled on
Thursday afternoon as thousands of young people participated in a liturgy of
Reconciliation. Pope Benedict heard the confessions of some of the youth and
delivered a talk to them in which he encouraged them to be open to the Holy
Spirit so that through His grace they can become ‘redeemers of the young
people of the world’.
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True happiness comes from hoping in God, despite
adversity
Vatican City, 12th March 2008 (CNA) - Pope
Benedict greeted pilgrims in Paul VI Hall this morning as he held his weekly
general audience. Continuing his catechesis on ancient Church figures, he
spoke today about Boethius and Cassiodorus, two great Christian writers who
lived in Italy during the years following the fall of the Roman Empire.
|
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Church in Spain committed to fighting abortion and
euthanasia despite election results
Madrid, 12th March, 2008 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Toledo and Primate of
Spain, Cardinal Antonio Canizares, said this week the Church would continue
defending “the values that are in danger” and, concretely, would fight
“against the widening of the law on abortion and against euthanasia.”
Canizares made his statements in an interview with the Italian daily Il
Corriere della Sera, two days after the Socialist party in Spain carried the
day in the country’s general elections.
|
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Relics of Bl. Pier Giorgio to be taken to
Australia for WYD
Sydney, 12th March 2008 (CNA) - Young people
who will be in Sydney for World Youth Day 2008 will be able to venerate the
relics of Pier Giorgio Frassati, one of the ten patron saints of the event,
at the city’s Cathedral, according to a report by SIR news agency.
The relics are being brought to Australia at the request of Cardinal George
Pell, Archbishop of Sydney. “The idea therefore came from the
organizational committee of WYD and therefore we are very happy,” sources
told SIR. |
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Vatican art from past centuries to be displayed in
Rome
Vatican City, 11th March 2008 (CNA) - "'Magnificenze Vaticane' Masterpieces
of Art from the Collections of the Fabric of St. Peter's" is an exhibition
due to be inaugurated this afternoon at Palazzo Incontro in Rome. The
display will feature never seen before Vatican artworks from the 14th to
20th centuries. |
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Vatican bishop points to modern social sins
Vatican City, 11th March 2008 (CNA) - A Vatican official has listed a set of
“social sins” to draw attention to sinful acts that have social
ramifications in an interview with the Vatican daily L’Osservatore Romano. The list which includes drug abuse, pollution, and human embryo
experimentation spawned sensationalist titles from the secular press such as
“Recycle or go to Hell, warns Vatican” or “Seven More Sins, Thanks to
Vatican”.
|
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Resurrection of Lazarus reveals Christ’s power
over life and death
Vatican City, 9th March 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI in his Angelus
message said that the Gospel story of Lazarus shows Christ’s absolute power
over life and death and reveals His nature as true man and true God. The Holy Father also repeated his appeals for peace in the Holy Land and the
release of a kidnapped Iraqi archbishop.
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Confession brings us the joy of God’s forgiveness
Vatican City, 7th March 2008 (CNA) - In one of several audiences today, Pope
Benedict XVI addressed members of the Apostolic Penitentiary on the state of
Confession and lamented that today the world “is losing the notion of sin”.
The Pope made his remarks to a group of prelates that is participating in a
week-long seminar on the “internal forum”, that is to say, questions of
conscience.
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Diabolical possession should be handled by
exorcists
Vatican City, 6th March 2008 (CNA) - The head of the Apostolic Penitentiary,
Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, said this week that when a person believes he is
dealing with a case of diabolical possession, it should be handled by an
exorcist instead of a confessor. |
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"We confess our blindness"
Vatican City, 2nd March 2008 (CNA) - Tens of thousands of pilgrims packed
St. Peter's Square on Sunday morning for Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus
message. The Pope called on the faithful to admit that their sins have
blinded them and to follow the example of the man born blind who turned to
Jesus for healing. |
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“Cute phrases are not enough”
Madrid, 29th February 2008 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Valencia, Cardinal
Agustin Garcia-Gasco, reminded politicians this week that their basic
commitment is to serve the common good, which is cemented on respect for the
dignity of the person and not on the construction of a society without
religious references.
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World Catholic population increases by 1.4%
Vatican City, 29th February 2008 (CNA) - Today Cardinal Secretary of State
Tarcisio Bertone presented the Holy Father with the 2008 edition of the
“Annuario Pontificio”, better known as the pontifical yearbook. In addition,
a communiqué was released highlighting the growth of the Church over the
past few years.
|
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First Catholic Church in Arabic country to be
dedicated to Mary
Doha, 29th February 2008 (CNA) - The first Catholic Church in an Arab Muslim
emirate will be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, during a ceremony that
will be celebrated by Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for
the Evangelization of Peoples.
On March 14, Cardinal Dias will officiate at the ceremony in Doha, the
capital of Qatar. The Apostolic Vicar of Arabia, Archbishop Paul Hinder,
will join the cardinal for the dedication of the new church.
|
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Spanish bishop calls on young people to give up
text messages for Lent
Girona, 28th February 2008 (CNA) - The Diocese of Girona in Spain, together
with Caritas Girona, is calling on young people to “abstain” from sending
text messages during Lent—which ends on March 20—as part of the Lenten
campaign called “Disconnect to get connected.” |
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Vatican daily strikes new distribution deal with
Italian diocese
Vatican City, 27th February 2008 (CNA) - The Vatican daily L’Osservatore
Romano has reached an agreement with the Italian Diocese of Bergamo, giving
the newspaper a major boost in circulation in the country.
L’Osservatore Romano’s new director, Giovanni Maria Vian, explained that
thanks to the recent overhaul of the newspaper, it can now be found in bars
and restaurants — places where it was impossible to find it before.
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St. Augustine’s conversion is a model for all
Christians
Vatican City, 27th February 2008 (CNA) - With today’s general audience Pope
Benedict XVI concluded his series of teachings on St. Augustine of Hippo,
telling the faithful that the saint’s journey of conversion remains a model
for each of us. |
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Cuba sees publication of new independent
periodical. Will Castro allow it?
Havana, 27th February 2008 (CNA) - The Christian Life Movement, led by
Oswaldo Paya Sardinas, has announced the publication of the first edition of
“Liberacion,” an independent Christian magazine that will now be the
official voice of the movement. |
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"Like it or not," Christianity gave Spain its
identity
Madrid, 26th February 2008 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Toledo, Cardinal
Antonio Canizares Llovera, said this week that Spain’s memory and identity
“like it or not” were forged by the Christian faith.
In a ceremony in which he was named a member of the Royal Academy of
History, the cardinal gave a speech in which he pointed out that the
Visigoth period saw the creation in Spain of “a heritage, a memory and an
identity” that are “inseparable” from and made possible by Christianity.
|
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Free the truth from society’s lies and distortions
Vatican City, 25th February 2008 (CNA) - Benedict XVI met with families,
teachers and young people in St. Peter’s Square on Friday and presented them
with the letter he wrote on January 21 to the diocese and city of Rome
concerning the importance of education. He told the young people listening
to him that they must free the truth from “the many lies and distortions” of
the culture with the help of their teachers and parents.
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Pope reaffirms Church’s stance against euthanasia
Vatican City, 25th February 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict received participants
in an international congress entitled: "Close by the Incurable Sick Person
and the Dying: Scientific and Ethical Aspects" today and reiterated that the
Church is against all forms of euthanasia. The event which brought the
specialists to the Vatican is being promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life
as part of their general assembly. |
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Vocations must be sown in children and young
people
Vatican City, 22nd February 2008 (CNA) - Today the Vatican released the
Pope’s message for the 45th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which this
year has the theme of "Vocations at the Service of the Church on Mission".
In his message, Pope Benedict stressed that Christian communities must
prepare children and young people for vocations by their witness to the
Gospel. |
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Cardinal Bertone says Church in Cuba has right to
evangelize "with no limits"
Havana, 22nd February 2008 (CNA) - During a huge Mass that filled
the Cathedral square in Havana, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, demanded the right of the Catholic Church in Cuba to
evangelize without limits imposed by the state.
Several key leaders of the Cuban government sat in the front rows of the
square, while more than 3,000 people filled the outdoor square, in a public
expression of faith unseen in the Cuban capital since the visit of Pope John
Paul 10 years ago.
|
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Bishops of India plan defense against
anti-Christian extremists
Jamshedpur, 22nd February 2008 (CNA) - At a recent plenary meeting of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), bishops held two unscheduled
meetings to study recent attacks on Christians. The bishops also discussed
proposals to coordinate the Church’s civil and political activities to
counter increasing anti-Christian violence in India. |
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Celebration of St. Joseph moved by Vatican for
2008
Vatican City, 22nd February 2008 (CNA) - The Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Discipline of the Sacraments has transferred the celebration of the
Solemnity of St. Joseph to March 15, since the traditional date of
observance — March 19 — coincides with Wednesday of Holy Week. |
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Pope Benedict asks Jesuits to reflect deeply on
their vow of obedience to him
Vatican City, 21st February 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI addressed the
participants of the Society of Jesus’ general congregation and encouraged
them to continue in fidelity to their original charism and to “find the
fullest sense of your ‘fourth vow,’” which is a professed obedience to the
Holy Father in matters of where they are sent on mission and in the ‘spirit
of the Church.’ |
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Bible to be center of Lenten preaching at the
Vatican
Vatican City, 21st February 2008 (CNA) - On Friday, February 22, in the
Redemptoris Mater Chapel, in the presence Pope Benedict XVI, the preacher of
the Papal Household, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, will begin the
traditional Lenten preaching, which will focus on the Word of God, in tune
with the upcoming Synod of Bishops. The general theme of the preaching
will be “The Word of God is Living and Efficacious”—a quote from the Letter
to the Hebrews. |
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St. Augustine’s teachings are relevant even today
Vatican City, 20th February 2008 (CNA) - At today's general audience Pope
Benedict XVI returned to his catechesis on St. Augustine of Hippo saying
that his works are able to teach Catholics even now. Before going into the
Paul VI audience hall, the Pope greeted an overflow crowd of pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter's Basilica.
|
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Number of exorcisms on the rise on Australia's
Gold Coast
Brisbane, 19th February 2008 (CNA) - Increased interest in Satanism and the
occult has led to a rise in exorcisms in the Australian state of Queensland,
the Courier Mail reports.
One priest who asked not to be identified said he presently carried out
exorcisms at least once every two weeks.
|
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Television “continues to have evangelizing
potential”
Assisi, 19th February 2008 (CNA) - During a Mass celebrated to mark the 50th
anniversary of the declaration of St. Clare as the patroness of television,
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said television still
holds evangelizing potential and should be used by Catholics. |
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Return to roots
Vatican City, 19th February 2008 (CNA) - Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke
to the members of the executive committee of the International Union of
Superiors General, telling them that “when communities have chosen to return
to the origins and live in a way more in keeping with the spirit of the
founder,” they see positive signs of renewal. |
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Media exaggerated coverage of abuse cases in the
Church
Brasilia, 18th February 2008 (CNA) - The prefect for the Congregation for
the Clergy, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, said pedophilia is one of the gravest
problems of sexual misconduct, but he asserted that the media exaggerated
the number of priests involved in such cases, which in reality involved less
than 1% of the clergy. |
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We are transfigured in hope
Vatican City, 17th February 2008 (CNA) - Speaking to thousands who crowded
St. Peters square on a bright Sunday morning, Pope Benedict XVI thanked all
those who remained close in spirit during this last week when he and the
Roman curia participated in the annual Lenten Spiritual exercises, presided
by French Cardinal Albert Vanhoye.
|
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Cardinal complains of worldly values in religious
life
Vatican City, 15th February 2008 (CNA) - A top Vatican cardinal complained
on Thursday that members of Catholic religious congregations are perceived
as worldlier, less obedient and increasingly reluctant to wear a cassock due
to the influence of secular values. |
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How and why the Roman Curia holds Spiritual
Exercises
Vatican City, 14th February 2008 (CNA) - As Pope Benedict XVI and the
members of the Roman Curia take part in Lenten Spiritual Exercises under the
direction of Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, the L’Osservatore Romano published an
article explaining the origin of this practice at the Vatican. |
|
Beatification process for Sister Lucia opened, new
writings to be published
Coimbra, 14th February 2008 (CNA) - The prefect for the Congregation for the
Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, announced this
Wednesday in Coimbra, Portugal, that Pope Benedict XVI has authorized the
opening of the cause of beatification of Sister Lucia, the Fatima visionary,
and he revealed that she left a series of important unpublished writings. |
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Vatican tightens standards for sainthood
Vatican City, 13th February 2008 (CNA) - The Vatican will advise bishops
around the world this next week to be more rigorous in their selection of
the candidates they propose for sainthood, ANSA reports.
A 20-page document to be presented in the Vatican on February 18 will ask
bishops to show “greater sobriety and rigor” in accepting requests to begin
inquiries into a prospective saint’s life.
|
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Historian reveals how Pius IX decided to proclaim
dogma of Immaculate Conception
Vatican City, 13th February 2008 (CNA) - In an article published by
L’Osservatore Romano, Italian historian Francesco Guglietta, an expert on
the life of Pius IX, revealed how the Pontiff decided to consult with the
bishops of the world to proclaim the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on
December 8, 1854. |
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Sale of relics “unacceptable business”
Vatican City, 12th February 2008 (CNA) - The prefect for the Congregation
for the Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, said this week
the sale of relics of the saints on eBay is “totally unacceptable business.” |
|
Dutch Catholics label Lent the “Christian Ramadan”
to encourage self-denial
Amsterdam, 13th February 2008 (CNA) - Saying that many Holland residents are
unfamiliar with Lent and its practices of self-denial, some Dutch Catholics
are calling the Lenten fast the “Christian Ramadan,” the Daily Telegraph
reports. Some Catholic leaders hope that linking Lent and Ramadan will remind less
observant Christians of the “spirituality and sobriety” of Lent.
|
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Catholic officials plan “exorcism center” in
Poland
Washington DC, 12th February 2008 (CNA) - A retreat center that some have
billed as Europe’s only center dedicated to performing exorcisms is being
planned to be built in a village in the northwest of Poland, the Washington
Post reports.
Father Andrzej Trojanowski, the priest leading the project, says he plans to
build a “spiritual oasis.”
|
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Spiritual Exercises necessary for renewal of
Christian vocation
Vatican City, 12th February 2008 (CNA) - In an interview with the Vatican
daily L’Osservatore Romano, Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, former secretary of the
Pontifical Biblical Commission and the Pope’s choice to lead the Lenten
retreat for the Roman Curia, said the Spiritual Exercises are necessary for
renewing one’s Christian vocation. |
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What the Pope really said about Hell
Rome, 11th February 2008 (CNA) - At Pope Benedict XVI’s question and answer
session with priests from his diocese last Thursday, one cleric told the
Pope he was concerned that the catechism of the Italian bishops’ conference
never mentions hell or purgatory, and speaks of heaven only once. “With
these essential parts of the creed missing,” the priest asked, “doesn’t it
seem to you that the redemption of Christ falls apart?” |
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Lent is a time to look evil in the face
Vatican City, 10th February 2008 (CNA) - The Holy Father greeted thousands
of pilgrims gathered below his study in St. Peter’s Square today. Before
praying the Angelus, he addressed the theme of Lent, saying it is “a time to
look evil in the face and combat its effects.”
|
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Brazilian Bishops Launch Major National Campaign
Against Abortion, Euthanasia, and Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Brasilia, Brazil, 8th February 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - After a shaky
start, the Catholic bishops of Brazil have launched a national campaign
against abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research that
newspapers are calling a "major offensive" against the culture of death. |
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Pope speaks with priests from his diocese about
Heaven and Hell
Vatican City, 8th February 2008 (CNA) - In a meeting held yesterday in the
Vatican's Hall of Blessings with priests of the diocese of Rome, the Holy
Father participated in a question and answer session on wide range of
issues, including the reality of Heaven and Hell.
|
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Reporting error overstates decline in numbers of
vowed religious
Vatican City, 8th February 2008 (CNA) - An article in the Vatican newspaper
L’Osservatore Romano incorrectly reported a 10 % decline in the numbers of
vowed religious. The correct figures, more than one tenth fewer, were
reported on Tuesday, according to L’Osservatore Romano. |
|
Pope on Ash Wednesday: prayer is “engine of the
world”
Rome, 7th February 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday distributed
ashes at the ancient Church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine hill in Rome.
In his homily at the austere 1,500 year-old church, Vatican Radio reports
that the Pope called prayer a “dialogue with God” and the “engine of the
world.” He also reminded Catholics that Lent is a journey of conversion
that invites all believers to prayer, penitence, and fasting. |
|
New York museum organizes art expo on the prodigal
son
Rome, 7th February 2008 (CNA) - A new expo entitled “Images of the Prodigal
Son. The Art of Forgiveness,” has been opened at the Biblical Art Museum of
New York and will be open to the general public until February 17.
According to the L’Osservatore Romano, the purpose of the exhibit is to
showcase artwork inspired by this parable which speaks of God’s forgiveness
towards those who are truly repentant, from the Renaissance to today.
|
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World does not understand those who proclaim the
Gospel
Mexico City, 6th February 2008 (CNA) - The Archbishop of Mexico City,
Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, told three thousand young people gathered
at the Seminary of Tlalpan that believers will always be misunderstood
“because the Gospel is always uncomfortable.”
|
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Pope Benedict XVI issues new Good Friday prayer
for the Jews
Vatican City, 5th February 2008 (CNA) - Today the Vatican's Secretary of
State issued the anticipated changes to the prayer for the Jews used in the
Good Friday Liturgy celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962.
This new prayer, which is to be used this Lent, is a simple prayer for the
Jewish people, that they may discover the salvation brought by Jesus. The
previous version was regarded as offensive by some Jewish organizations.
|
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Italian priest calls on athletes to stop
blaspheming
Rome, 2nd February 2008 (CNA) - Father Nicoló Anselmi, director of Youth
Ministry for the Bishops’ Conference of Italy, has called on professional
soccer players looked up to by thousands of young people to stop blaspheming
during games.
“Players, please, stop blaspheming when something goes wrong on the field.
You are offending and irritating us instead of making us have fun,” Father
Anselmi said after news programs repeatedly showed a famous player clearly
utter a blasphemy during a game on Saturday after a call by the referee in
favor of the other team.
|
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After 70 years...Greek-Catholic bishops return to
the Vatican
Vatican City, 1st February 2008 (CNA) - For the first time in 70 years, the
bishops of the Greek-Catholic Church of Ukraine were able to pay a visit to
the tomb of St. Peter and to meet with his successor, Pope Benedict XVI.
“You are welcome, dear brothers, in this house in which intense and
incessant prayers have always been said for the beloved Greek-Catholic
Church of Ukraine," the Pope told the bishops.
|
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Spanish bishops vote "NO" for policies against the
faith
Madrid, 31st January 2008 (CNA) - The Executive Committee of the Spanish
Bishops’ Conference has issued a statement in view of the upcoming general
elections reminding Catholics that while they can belong or support
different political parties, some policies are incompatible with Christian
teachings and therefore should not be supported. |
|
Pope’s Lenten Message: Giving alms should be done
for the glory of God, not yourself
Vatican City, 29th January 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict’s Lenten Message for
2008 was presented today in the Holy See Press Office. The theme for this
years’ message, “Christ made Himself poor for you”, reflects on the
importance and meaning of almsgiving. |
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Jesus heals the whole man
Vatican City, 27th January 2008 (CNA) - Before his weekly Sunday Angelus,
the Pope noted that the kingdom of God announced by Jesus Christ is
manifested in the integral healing of man.
Commenting on the Sunday reading of St. Matthew the Evangelist, the Pontiff
recalled that the public mission of Jesus consists primarily of preaching
the Kingdom of God and healing the sick.
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British MPs seek free conscience on cloning and
IVF bill
London, 27th January 2008 (CNA) - British cabinet members are demanding a
“free vote” over a bill that would promote cloning and the creation of
human-animal hybrid embryos, and would remove the requirement to consider
the need for a father in offering IVF treatments, the Observer reports.
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Jesuits are not in opposition to the Vatican
Rome, 25th January 2008 (CNA) - At his first official meeting with the
press, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas S.J., the new Superior General of the Society of
Jesus, strongly denied any contradiction between the Jesuits and the
Vatican.
During the meeting held at the General Curia of the Jesuits in Rome, Fr.
Nicolas read a prepared statement and took no questions from the some 50
journalists present at the press conference.
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Sunday Mass not enough to be a good Christian
Buenos Aires, 25th January 2008 (CNA) - Bishop Ruben Oscar Frassia of
Avellaneda Lanus, Argentina said this week that mere attendance at Sunday
Mass is not enough to be a good Christian in today’s world.
Reflecting on a passage from last Sunday’s gospel, “A people in darkness
have seen a great light,” Bishop Frassia said, “It is important that we all
discover that we are called to the light, to the truth and to what is
good.” “We must heed that call, because whoever listens well will respond
well. Whoever covers his ears, especially his heart, will not listen. And
because he will not listen well, he will not respond well,” the bishop said.
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Pope proposes the creation of ‘info-ethics’ for
the media
Vatican City, 24th January 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI issued a call
today for ‘info-ethics’ to be developed for the media as part of his annual
message for the World Day of Social Communications. The Pope wrote that “it
is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person
and fully respect human dignity.” |
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Pauline Year to be ecumenical and full of cultural
events
Vatican City, 21st January 2008 (CNA) - As was announced last week, the
Press Office of the Holy See released the schedule for the year dedicated to
St. Paul today. Running from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009, the celebration
will focus on rediscovering the person of St. Paul and his teachings,
improving unity amongst Christians and pilgrimages to places associated with
his life.
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Runaway archbishop publishes autobiography
Rome, 20th January 2008 (CNA) - Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, the former
chief prelate of the Catholic Church in Zambia who was excommunicated after
marrying and attempting to ordain four married priests as bishops, has
published his memoirs, BBC News reports.
Before a crowd of some one hundred journalists and cameramen, Archbishop
Milingo launched his book in a bookshop near the Trevi fountain in Rome.
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Exorcist priest warns against "hidden knowledge”
trend in Mexico
Saltillo, 20th January 2008 (CNA) - Fr. Jose Luis del Rio y Santiago of the
Mexican Diocese of Saltillo, who carried out an exorcism during a healing
Mass last Monday, warned against the trend of seeking supposed secret
knowledge, and the consulting of healers and fortune tellers, saying such
practices “open the door to Satanism.” |
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Spaniard Adolfo Nicolás elected new Superior
General of the Jesuits
Rome, 19th January 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI gave his consent on
Saturday to the election of the Spanish Jesuit Adolfo Nicolás as the new
Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
The 217 delegates gathered since January 7 for the 35th General
Congregation, chose Fr. Nicolás in the second round of voting. Nicolás hails
from Palencia (Spain) and was born on April 29, 1936.
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The Pope's speech that a minority of students
rejected
Rome, 16th January 2008 (CNA) - The disclosure of the Pope's speech that he
intended to give at La Sapienza, brings with it an ironic twist. The
students who were protesting his presence claimed that he had nothing to say
to a secular institution, and yet, his speech was on that very topic.
The Holy Father's visit to Rome’s oldest university, which was founded in
1303 by Pope Boniface VIII, was suspended after a group of professors and
students threatened to disrupt the event with their protests.
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European crisis result of inability to recognize
the truth
Salzburg, Austria, 16th January (CNA) - The archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal
Christoph Schönborn said this week that the “intellectual crisis of Europe”
is the result of an “incapability of recognizing the truth.”
According to the Archdiocese of Vienna’s website, during a January 12 speech
on the missionary life of the Church at the Pastoral Assembly of Austria,
the cardinal underscored the need to recognize and proclaim the truth, since
it is there that love is found.
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Pope faces
“ad orientem” in Sistine Chapel liturgy
Vatican City, 15th January 2008 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass on
Sunday in the Sistine Chapel, using the church’s original altar beneath
Michelangelo’s depiction of the Last Judgment instead of the removable altar
used by Pope John Paul II. The Vatican’s office for liturgical celebrations
issued a statement saying the decision to use the old altar was used to
respect "the beauty and the harmony of this architectural jewel."
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Vatican
Museums “more than just Sistine Chapel”
Rome, 14th January 2008 (CNA) -
After just one month since becoming director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio
Paolucci said one of the challenges he has taken up is that of showing that
the museums are “much more than the Sistine Chapel.” In an interview
published by L’Osservatore Romano on Sunday, Paolucci said one of his
greatest concerns is that most people only visit the Sistine Chapel and
ignore other great works of art. He revealed that the Vatican is
seriously considering the possibility of opening a new entrance to
facilitate the flow of tourists and museum visitors.
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Harry
Potter is wrong model of a hero
Vatican City, 14th January 2008
(CNA) - J. K. Rowling's successful character Harry Potter is the wrong model
of a hero, says the Vatican daily L'Osservatore Romano in its Monday-Tuesday
edition. In an article signed by Edoardo Rialti, L'Osservatore says that
many have tried to establish a parallel between Rowling's main character and
"the great fantasy masterpieces of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and Clive
Staples Lewis, the Christian authors of the most beloved fables of the 20th
Century."
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New campaign
launched to promote family rosary
Madrid, 11th January 2008 (CNA) - The recent controversy unleashed between
pro-family organizations and government officials in Spain in the wake of the
pro-family march on December 30 has inspired a new campaign to promote the
family rosary in the country. |
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St.
Augustine honored by Pope Benedict as “a man of passion and faith”
Vatican City, 9th January 2008 (CNA) - “One of
the most important exponents of Christianity" in his time, is how Pope
Benedict XVI described St. Augustine today at the Wednesday general
audience. This bishop of Hippo, the Pontiff said, was "a man of passion and
of faith, of exalted intelligence and of tireless pastoral activity". |
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Vatican
Newspaper Article Says Catholics Should Receive Communion Kneeling and on the
Tongue
Vatican, 9th January 2008 (LifeSiteNews) - Although it may seem a little
strange, there is a definite battle being waged within the Catholic Church.
It is the same "culture war" being waged by secular moderns against those who
uphold traditional morality, it is pro-life vs. pro-choice. But within the
Catholic Church the same battle is fought along liturgical lines, and the
publication in the Vatican newspaper of an article calling for Catholics to
receive Holy Communion kneeling and on the tongue is telling. |
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Spanish
Socialist leader asks Pope to give explanation of the family
Madrid, 9th January 2008 (CNA) - A heated debate is taking place in Spain
over the meaning of the family. In the wake of a massive pro-family march on
December 30 in Madrid, the secretary of the Socialist Party (PSOE), Jose Blanco,
has raised the debate’s temperature by asking Pope Benedict XVI to explain to
him “just what exactly is the Christian family” and by recommending that “some
members” of the Catholic Church “re-read the gospel.” |
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Padre Pio
relatives protest saint’s exhumation
Rome, 8th January 2008
(CNA) - Relatives are strongly opposing the planned exhumation and display
of the body of St. Padre Pio, the twentieth-century Italian priest renowned
for his stigmata and preternatural powers. Saint Pio’s niece, Pia Forgione,
and her eight children have begun legal action to stop the exhumation of the
saint’s body, which is planned to be displayed later this year for pilgrims
to venerate, according to ANSA. The family’s lawyer, Francesco
Traversi, who also heads an association of Padre Pio devotees, said they
were trying to prevent the saint’s body from being “profaned.”
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Tony Blair received into Catholic Church, Vatican welcomes him with respect
Vatican City, 24th December 2007 (CNA) - After
years of rumors and speculation about his religious beliefs, former British
prime minister Tony Blair was officially received into the Catholic Church
on Friday. Blair was received into full communion by Cardinal Cormac
Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, during Mass in the chapel at the
Archbishop’s house in Westminster. He had been receiving doctrinal and
spiritual preparation from the cardinal’s private secretary, Monsignor Mark
O’Toole. |
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Practicing Catholics now outnumber Anglicans in the UK
London, 24th December 20 |
