News from the Vatican
Bishop Erik Varden has defended the Church’s discipline of withholding Holy Communion from couples in irregular unions, arguing that it is intended for their spiritual good rather than as a punishment. Michael Haynes reports on the Norwegian bishop’s explanation of the pastoral and theological reasoning behind the Church’s teaching.
The dioceses of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hallam could be united under a proposal being put to Pope Leo XIV, potentially bringing significant changes to the organisation of the Catholic Church in northern England. Corrie Douglas-Young examines the plans and what such a reorganisation might mean for clergy and parishioners across the three dioceses.
A shooting at an elementary school in Oregon has left four people dead, prompting an appeal for prayers from the local Catholic bishop. Christine Rousselle reports on the tragedy and the Church’s response as the community mourns those killed.
A new Catholic bishop has been consecrated in China under the terms of the controversial agreement between Beijing and the Holy See on episcopal appointments. Michael Haynes reports on the consecration and what it reveals about the Vatican’s continuing efforts to manage its relationship with the Chinese authorities.
Forty years after its release, The Mission remains a rare example of a major Hollywood production that portrayed Catholic faith, priesthood and penance with genuine seriousness. Luke Collins revisits Roland Joffé’s celebrated film and considers why contemporary cinema so often struggles to take the beliefs of its Catholic characters seriously.
The dioceses of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hallam could be united under a proposal being put to Pope Leo XIV, potentially bringing significant changes to the organisation of the Catholic Church in northern England. Corrie Douglas-Young examines the plans and what such a reorganisation might mean for clergy and parishioners across the three dioceses.
A shooting at an elementary school in Oregon has left four people dead, prompting an appeal for prayers from the local Catholic bishop. Christine Rousselle reports on the tragedy and the Church’s response as the community mourns those killed.
A new Catholic bishop has been consecrated in China under the terms of the controversial agreement between Beijing and the Holy See on episcopal appointments. Michael Haynes reports on the consecration and what it reveals about the Vatican’s continuing efforts to manage its relationship with the Chinese authorities.
Forty years after its release, The Mission remains a rare example of a major Hollywood production that portrayed Catholic faith, priesthood and penance with genuine seriousness. Luke Collins revisits Roland Joffé’s celebrated film and considers why contemporary cinema so often struggles to take the beliefs of its Catholic characters seriously.
31-35, F