Posts tagged bishops
Pope Francis Hails Final Synod Document As a Gift To God’s People

Addressing the Synod Assembly on Saturday evening, Pope Francis highlighted how the Final Document, written over the course of the 2nd Session of the Synod on Synodality that began on Oct. 2 following a process of listening and dialogue, is the fruit of over three years of listening to the People of God.

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On Religion: The Lord’s Supper Meets Dionysus In An Unholy Parody

(ANALYSIS) These debates raged on and on because few combatants could agree on what took place, in part because that scene in the opening ceremonies were quickly removed from the official Olympics YouTube and NBC Universal accounts.

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Clerics Accuse Nigeria’s Military Of Being Complicit In Christians’ Murder

Violence by Islamic extremist groups such as Fulani militants, Boko Haram and Islamic State in West African Province increased during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicenter of targeted violence against the church. The West African nation of 226 million is divided evenly between Christians and Muslims.

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‘Internet Priests’ Help Explain Catholic Same-Sex Blessings

(ANALYSIS) The Vatican’s decision to allow priests to bless couples in what they called “irregular relationships” continues to get lots of media attention, especially since it involves same-sex couples. Here’s how some Catholic priests who are active on social media and YouTube are explaining what it all means.

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Pope Francis’ Media Blackout Created A Synod Of ‘Sideshows’

(ANALYSIS) Pope Francis wanted a media blackout at the recent Synod on Synodality. As a result, a meeting meant to inspire open dialogue was held under a veil of silence. This did not go unnoticed by those of us in the press who cover the church. But some seemed more upset than others.

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Everything You Need to Know About The Synod on Synodality

(EXPLAINER) The next phase in the high-anticipated Vatican gathering of bishops known as the Synod of Synodality starts on Oct. 4. The first phase of this global gathering is the culmination of two years of preparation. Over the past two years, much has been said about synodality and what it aims to do for Catholicism.

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5 Catholic Storylines You Need To Follow Closely In 2023

(ANALYSIS) There are only a few days left to go in 2022. It was a busy news year for the Catholic Church — loaded with stories with strong religion angles. As we prepare to ring in 2023, here are five big storylines and trends to watch for over the next 12 months.

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Catholic Bishops Approve Communion Guidelines, Avoid Rebuking Biden

In an overwhelming show of support, U.S. Catholic bishops voted Wednesday in favor of issuing a new document regarding the importance of Holy Communion — although the text did not single out President Joe Biden or other Catholic politicians as being unworthy of receiving the sacrament because they favor abortion rights.

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Biden Is A 'Good Catholic': How The Press Covered His Meeting With Pope Francis

(ANALYSIS) A funny thing happened when President Joe Biden visited Pope Francis at the Vatican. The event actually made news, especially with Biden quotes about what allegedly happened in private. It was big news across the media ecosystem because of 20 words the president uttered to reporters in Rome after the face-to-face.

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Communion wars: Why does Biden take the Eucharist and support abortion?

(OPINION) What’s important to remember is that as Catholics our faith is not a set of political positions that we hold on a variety of issues. Our faith is rooted in what Jesus said about God’s purpose and his will for every person. That has been transmitted to all of us in the gospels, through centuries of church tradition and Canon Law.

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Get ready for a week that could change U.S. Catholicism forever

(OPINION) Barring an intervention from Pope Francis himself, the U.S. bishops will consider, and vote on Thursday, a plan for a document about Holy Communion that includes denying the sacrament to politicians who repeatedly support policies advocating abortion rights. That includes President Joe Biden, only the country’s second Catholic commander in chief ever.

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How news coverage politicizes Biden's Communion controversy

(OPINION) It should be noted that secular newsrooms don’t dislike organized religion like many may believe. Instead, they just don’t like religious leaders who attempt to defend traditional dogmas that govern said faith. Therefore, news coverage is often framed this way: Biden can be both “very Catholic” and pro-choice.

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Germany's Catholic bishops aim to rewrite the catechism, igniting a potential schism

(ANALYSIS) German bishops have brought what they call reforms back to the forefront over the past few weeks with a series of moves that could forever change Roman Catholicism.

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Can Catholics eat plant-based 'meat' during Lent?

Plant-based products have unleashed a meaty debate in church pews and on message boards over whether products like the Impossible Burger can or can’t be eaten during Lent and if doing so is ultimately a sin.

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