“I’m still alive,” says Pope, “though some wanted me dead”
Vatican CityReuters Pope Francis has joked that some people in the church hoped he would not survive his recent colon operation, and denounced vociferous conservative critics for doing “the work of the devil” by undermining the Roman Catholic Church. Francis made the comments during a meeting with members of the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order, […]
At UN, Biden promises “relentless diplomacy”, not Cold War
United NationsReuters US President Joe Biden mapped out a new era of vigorous competition without a new Cold War despite China’s ascendance during his first United Nations address on Tuesday, promising military restraint and a robust fight against climate change. The United States will help resolve crises from Iran to the Korean Peninsula to Ethiopia, […]
Twin threats: Climate migrants said to face greater risk of modern slavery
Barcelona, SpainThomson Reuters Foundation Salamatu, 22, from northern Ghana, has worked as a porter in Accra for seven years after repeated flooding on her family’s farm forced her to seek a living in the capital. But she doesn’t get to keep much of what she earns. Her boss takes most of the money to cover […]
Protest erupts in Melbourne after virus worries shut down construction sites
Sydney, AustraliaReuters Hundreds demonstrated in locked-down Melbourne on Tuesday after authorities shut down construction sites in the city for two weeks saying the frequent movement of workers was spreading the coronavirus into regional areas. The decision to halt building activities comes after an anti-vaccine mandate protest in the city turned violent on Monday. The Victorian […]
German cleric defends Pope’s decision to keep Archbishop
Berlin, GermanyAP The head of the German Bishops’ Conference on Monday defended the Pope’s decision to allow the Archbishop of Hamburg to stay on at this post, despite being faulted for his handling of sexual abuse allegations. Limburg Bishop Georg Baetzing said that he understands how people feel about the decision, but that Pope Francis […]
Dante’s ‘Inferno’
Dante’s Inferno is a 14th century literary classic. In it, Dante tours the nine levels of hell. The deeper you get, the worse the sin and the worse the punishment. A statue of Dante Alighieri in Verona, Italy. PICTURE: Marcus Ganahl/Unsplash The early levels are for simply falling for temptation – lust, glutton, greed. Hell for […]
Responding to changing times: From luxury stays to sanctuary ‘champing’, US and UK houses of worship adopt pandemic-era Airbnb models
KATHRYN POST, of Religion News Service, reports that instead of worshippers, some US and UK churches have been filled with local tourists, professional chefs or burnt-out frontline workers…
Canadians vote as Trudeau’s bid for decisive win hangs in the balance
Montreal, CanadaReuters Canadians went to the polls on Monday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared likely to lose his bid for a parliamentary majority after a tough campaign that may have dashed his Liberal Party’s hopes for a convincing win. Trudeau heads a minority government that relies on the support of other parties to pass […]
Essay: Should Pope Francis get a third COVID-19 vaccine shot?
US Catholic commentator THOMAS REESE says that when it comes to the Pope getting a third vaccination, the Vatican is “caught between a rock and a hard place”…
US Christian author Josh McDowell apologises for comments about Black, minority families
RNS A best-selling Christian author and speaker denounced the idea of systemic racism at a national gathering of Christian counselors, saying Black Americans and other minorities were not raised to value hard work or education. Josh McDowell, best known for his book Evidence that Demands a Verdict and other books defending the Christian faith, gave […]