In the US, clergy sex abuse suits could bankrupt San Diego Catholic diocese
San Diego, US AP The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego said Friday it may declare bankruptcy in the coming months as it faces “staggering” legal costs in dealing with some 400 lawsuits alleging priests and others sexually abused children. In a letter that was expected to be shared with parishioners this weekend, Bishop Robert […]
With new cardinals, Pope puts stamp on Catholic Church future
Vatican CityReuters Pope Francis on Saturday inducted 20 cardinals from around the world, choosing men who mostly agree with his vision of a more progressive and inclusive Roman Catholic Church and influencing their choice of his eventual successor. Francis, 85, presided at a ceremony known as a consistory, telling the new cardinals to show concern […]
Catholic Church: In making McElroy a cardinal, Francis elevates champion for ‘pastoral’ cause
JACK JENKINS and ALEJANDRA MOLINA, of Religion News Service, report that the San Diego cardinal-to-be will be an ally for a pope who has long advocated for the church to change its priorities without changing its teaching…
Question of who might succeed Pope Francis to loom over cardinals’ gathering
Vatican City Reuters Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world gather for events at the Vatican starting this weekend that could amount to a dress rehearsal for an eventual conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis after he dies or resigns. On Saturday, Francis will induct 20 prelates into the College of Cardinals, the […]
San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy “stunned” at being named cardinal by Pope Francis
United StatesRNS San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy said he was stunned and shocked when he received a 3am call on Sunday, notifying him that he had been named by Pope Francis as one of 21 new cardinals. As a member of the College of Cardinals, McElroy, 68, will be part of the church body that […]
California Catholic bishop tells priests to decline vaccine exemption requests
RNS San Diego Roman Catholic Bishop Robert McElroy has sent a letter instructing priests in his diocese that there is no basis in Catholic teaching to offer a religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccinations as more employers and schools enact vaccine mandates. In his 11th August letter, McElroy reiterated the Catholic Church’s support for COVID-19 vaccinations and […]
Heated debate before US Catholic bishops vote on Communion
AP In impassioned debate Thursday, US Catholic bishops clashed over how to address concerns about Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, who continue to receive Communion despite supporting abortion rights. Some bishops said a strong rebuke of Biden is needed because of his recent actions protecting and expanding abortion access. Others warned that such action […]
A group of US Catholic bishops issues statement condemning bullying of LGBTQ youth
RNS A group of US Catholic bishops has released a statement condemning the bullying of LGBTQ youth, insisting “all people of goodwill should help, support, and defend” them. “As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way,” […]