Pope Francis talks about the need for a “healthy decentralisation” in the Catholic Church, but how that should look and work has been a topic of debate since the Second Vatican Council.
A bishop cannot truly discern God’s will by lording over his flock; rather he must listen to and participate in the lives of those entrusted to his care, Pope Francis told some 120 new bishops.
Father Gerald Pocock, who died in Ottawa at age 92, was a gregarious Roman Catholic chaplain at Montreal’s St. Mary’s Hospital in 1969 when he befriended American jazz legend Duke Ellington.
Pope Francis said that politicians and religious leaders cannot remain indifferent to the suffering caused by violence and hatred in the world.
After six weeks of negotiation, an alliance led by the former revolutionary party Fretilin will lead the economically troubled Catholic nation of East Timor for the next five years.
Today’s narcissistic culture leads to sad souls who worry more about what’s in the mirror, than caring for others,
Although the Church is built upon a strong foundation, it is always in need of being reformed and repaired.
The Vatican obviously is concerned about terrorist threats, “especially for the senseless hatred” it represents, and will continue to remain vigilant, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
Pope Francis did not change church teaching on the rules for receiving Communion, but rather assured people who are in difficult situations that the church cares for them and the mercy of God extends to them, a Nigerian cardinal said.
