Catholic Culture News
Catholic Culture News

Stories for May 2013

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Friday, May. 31

 SNAP leaders sought to squelch publicity on support for doctor in child-porn case
 Pope, UN leader discuss peace efforts, humanitarian needs
 Pope heard confessions during parish visit
 Hamas pressing for Islamicization of Gaza, bishop reports
 USCCB: pray, fast for engaged couples
 Late-term abortions touted at major women’s health conference
 1st Catholic university inaugurated in Jordan
 Vatican bank president praises institute’s soundness
 Vatican will not publish full text of Pope’s weekday Mass homilies

Released Thursday, May. 30

 Pope Francis leads Corpus Christi procession through streets of Rome
 Israel set to demolish Palestinian homes for new development in East Jerusalem
 Pope to call meeting of Christian, Jewish, Muslim leaders?
 Father Andrew Greeley, outspoken sociologist and novelist, dead at 85
 Pope explains decision not to live in papal apartments
 Florida bishops urge governor to commute death sentences
 Jesuit to head US bishops’ doctrine office
 For 1st time, Israeli university declares Christmas a holiday
 Pakistani bishops’ conference: end anti-Christian approach in schools
 Colombian cardinal backs peace deal

Released Wednesday, May. 29

 Pope's prayer intentions for June 2013
 Belgian court: evidence seized in illegal search cannot be used against Cardinal Danneels
 Avoid temptations toward triumphalism, Pope urges
 Continued warfare could 'melt down' Syria, Vatican envoy tells UN
 Pope opens new series of weekly talks, on the nature of the Church
 Women now primary earners in 40% of American households
 National Review Board chair disputes John Jay report, links homosexuality to clerical abuse
 Italian government official: anti-Christian laws in 15 European nations
 Philippine bishops call for truth commission to examine election results
 Cardinal Pell testifies before parliamentary inquiry on abuse
 Vatican diplomat: over 100,000 Christians killed each year because of their faith

Released Tuesday, May. 28

 New leaders, new statutes for Legionaries by year's end?
 Con man sentenced for bilking Ohio priest
 Support for rebels will prolong suffering in Syria, says Catholic patriarch
 Vatican schedules worldwide hour of Eucharistic adoration for Sunday, June 2
 Vatican, Israel near agreement on pact after 20 years of negotiations
 Confirmed: Pope Francis to complete encyclical begun by Benedict XVI
 Another massive rally in Paris against same-sex marriage
 New York archdiocese already paying contraceptive benefits for some union employees
 New tour for ‘nuns on the bus’
 Pontifical council: conference on happiness and the economy
 Irish bishops’ conference praises US immigration-reform measure
 India: Catholic leaders welcome new government in Karnataka
 German cardinal calls for more children, mothers at home to address demographic crisis
 Holy See diplomat strongly denounces intolerance against Christians in Europe

Released Monday, May. 27

 Proper perspective aids understanding, Pope says during parish visit
 Anglican leaders prepare new drive to approve women bishops
 Vicar general of Newark archdiocese removed after controversy
 Rethink economic systems; place man at the center: Pope Francis
 Don't set barriers to the sacraments, Pope warns faithful
 Russian Patriarch tells European leader: same-sex marriage is sinful
 Christians fined, imprisoned in Uzbekistan
 Fewer problematic commencement speakers at Catholic colleges
 Bishop responds to Boy Scouts’ decision on admission of homosexual members
 Priest slain by Mafia beatified in Sicily

Released Friday, May. 24

 Israeli-Palestinian problem at base troubles in Middle East, says Jerusalem Patriarch
 Under house arrest, Chinese bishop uses social media to encourage pilgrimage
 Avoid careerism, Pope counsels Italian bishops
 Pope urges recognizing 'light of hope' in eyes of refugees
 French priest, active Mason, removed from parish
 Christian Brothers in US pay $16.5 million to settle abuse claims
 USCCB: pray, fast for conversion of abortion supporters
 Philadelphia: day of prayer, penance following Gosnell conviction
 Archbishop Gomez welcomes committee passage of immigration-reform measure
 Biden, Cardinal McCarrick pay tribute to Notre Dame’s Father Hesburgh
 Texas passes law permitting Nativity scenes in schools
 Bishops: Nigeria ‘totters on the brink’

Released Thursday, May. 23

 Lateran University announces new chair to honor late Cardinal Gantin
 Pope confirms Cardinal Vallini as vicar for Rome
 Pope, Salvadoran president discuss Archbishop Romero
 Protester climbs down from dome of St. Peter's
 Interreligious dialogue center hosts conference on ‘image of the other’
 For 2nd time, Missouri Benedictine nuns have top classical album
 Court strikes down Arizona law against late-term abortions
 Protestant pastor arrested in Iran
 Mideast Christians pray for Syrian bishops’ release a month after abduction

Released Wednesday, May. 22

 Pope praises Missionaries of Charity for making love concrete
 Tunisia: feminist arrested for defacing mosque
 Pope urges Friday prayers for Church in China
 Never use faith as a barrier, Pope tells congregation
 Vatican’s Financial Information Authority issues report, cites strides toward transparency
 Holy Spirit powers evangelization, Pope explains at audience
 Chicago Jesuit province makes record settlement in abuse lawsuit
 After settling child-porn complaint, Kansas City diocese hit with two more lawsuits
 Conference at Vatican Museums recalls attack on Pietà
 Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Coakley on Oklahoma tornado disaster
 Vermont legalizes assisted suicide
 Crowd attacks Pakistani village; 1,500 Christians flee
 USCCB questions Obama administration’s use of drones

Released Tuesday, May. 21

 Suicide in Notre Dame cathedral in Paris
 Vatican Museum celebrate restoration of Michelangelo's Pieta
 Papal prayers for Oklahoma tornado victims
 In the Church, power means service, Pope tells Tuesday congregation
 Newark priest faces charges for violating court order
 Boston pro-lifers demonstrate against honorary degree for Enda Kenny
 Reporters interpret papal blessing as an exorcism
 South African bishops criticize police presence at private wedding
 Closure of convents preceded Benghazi parish bombing
 Patriarch: Islamist regimes ‘even worse’ than authoritarian ones
 In 2nd message on Edict of Milan, Pope Francis calls for recognition of religious freedom
 Churches desecrated in Central African Republic; Christians flee to countryside

Released Monday, May. 20

 Vatican launches news 'app' for smartphones
 Veteran Italian demonstrator climbs out on dome of St. Peter's
 American seminarians defend championship in Roman soccer tourney
 Community of St. John acknowledges lapses by founder
 Croatian activists promote referendum to define marriage as male-female union
 Maronite leader raps Lebanese interference in Syrian conflict
 Pope urges 'courageous' rather than 'courteous' prayer
 Jesuit superior steps in to head umbrella group for male religious superiors
 Italy's top politicians unite against 'homophobia'
 Australian archbishop admits predecessors covered up abuse
 Catholic church bombed in Benghazi
 Pope, Merkel discuss European affairs
 Egypt's Copts again under attack, but ex-nuncio sees positive strides
 Pope answers questions on evangelization, poverty at Pentecost vigil
 Holy Spirit makes Church always new, Pope says at Pentecost Mass
 USCCB, other Catholic organizations: contact senators about farm bill
 Ecumenical Patriarch: even amid persecution and attacks on family, the Church endures
 UN food official lauds commitment of Pope Francis, Church to ending hunger
 Kansas court rules that civil courts cannot interfere in annulment cases
 Vatican official: current Code of Canon Law drafted during ‘naïve’ time

Released Friday, May. 17

 Religious-freedom award to Indonesian leader draws protests
 American missionary priest in Kenya suspended in dispute over control of hospitals
 Pope's liturgical schedule for May-June-July
 Vatican conference focus on new sects, religious movements
 New Hampshire diocese settles case about priest's questions to boy in confessional
 Missionary work is a demand, not an option, for all Christians: Pope
 Cardinal Dolan not questioning governor's Catholic standing, spokesman says
 Italian police arrest suspected 'Anonymous' hackers
 Dublin's archbishop, Irish prime minister clash on proposed abortion law
 Failure to repent sin is fundamental problem, Pope tells congregation
 Holy See diplomat condemns terrorism in Africa
 English bishops urge House of Commons not to approve same-sex marriage
 Vatican envoy: consumerism, attitudes towards women help foster human trafficking
 Syrian prelate: ‘tolls’ extracted by rebels have dramatically increased price of food
 Escalating violence in Nigeria; prominent Protestant pastor murdered

Released Thursday, May. 16

 Pope hails Edict of Milan, welcomes Orthodox leader to celebration
 Kansas City diocese settles child-porn lawsuit claims for $600,000
 Former archdiocesan accountant pleads guilty on embezzlement charges
 Vatican envoy at UN urges action to end bloodshed in Syria
 Brazil approves same-sex marriage
 Pope praises apostolic zeal of St. Paul, contrasts it with "backseat Christians"
 'Cult of money' produces injustice and misery, Pope warns
 USCCB: statement on Gosnell conviction
 Minnesota legalizes same-sex marriage
 Ecumenical Patriarchate, European bishops to commemorate Edict of Milan
 Oregon researchers clone human embryos for sake of stem cells
 Vatican cardinal reflects on contentious issues in relations with Jews

Released Wednesday, May. 15

 Bishop Finn not liable in child-porn lawsuit, Missouri judge rules
 Pray daily for guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope exhorts audience
 Israeli authorities apologies after police manhandle Orthodox cleric
 Pope plans pilgrimage to Marian shrine in Sardinia
 Pentecost prayer vigil planned for ecclesial movements
 Australian police official delayed action on abuse reports against Church
 Vatican bank will make annual report available online
 Vatican confirms Cardinal O'Brien will leave Scotland
 Despite US efforts, famed Orthodox seminary remains closed in Turkey
 Prelate praises Buddhist spirituality in face of secularism
 Papua New Guinea bishops speak out against death penalty
 Cardinal Burke to deliver keynote address at Vatican conference for Gospel of life
 Cardinal emphasizes importance of contemporary art as Holy See takes part in exhibition

Released Tuesday, May. 14

 Vatican to host pavilion at Venice art festival
 Massachusetts bishop will escape trial for drunk driving; pleads guilty to lesser charge
 US embassies push 'gay pride' celebrations in countries that outlaw homosexual acts
 No union backing for lesbian teacher dismissed at Catholic school
 Pontificate dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima in ceremony at shrine
 Pope contrasts 'poverty as an ideology' with true Christian charity
 Russian Patriarch seeks official recognition for Orthodox in China
 Cardinal says Holy Spirit turned electors toward Cardinal Bergoglio
 Vatican bank to make public disclosures?
 USCCB weighs in on 15 amendments to immigration legislation
 Islamists wish to topple government, Bangladesh’s leading prelate warns
 Vatican cardinal calls for ‘evangelical radicalism’ in missionary work
 US bishops announce 2nd Fortnight for Freedom
 Cardinal: 2011 document’s call for ‘global authority’ does not mean world government

Released Monday, May. 13

 CORRECTION: British bishops would encourage Catholic spouse in royal family to raise children as Catholics
 Abortionist Gosnell found guilty on 3 murder counts
 Irish columnist says Cardinal O'Malley broke a deal on Kenny commencement speech
 World's Catholic population steady; up in Africa and Asia, down in Europe and Americas
 Pope backs talks aimed at reconciliation in Colombia
 Pope strongly supports March for Life across Rome
 Prominent Legionary priest seeks release from vows to care for son
 Saudi court sentences Christians to flogging, jail terms for converting Muslim
 Pope canonizes 800 martyrs slain by 15th-century Islamic forces
 USCCB, other Catholic organizations weigh in on farm bill, call for reduction in subsidies
 Anglican-Catholic dialogue concludes meeting in Brazil
 ‘Jesus Christ is the source of hope for Europe,’ say bishops in Europe Day statement
 20th-century Italian priest beatified
 Lithuanian bishops warn: EU treaty could promote homosexuality, transgender ideology

Released Friday, May. 10

 Carnegie Mellon students face criminal charges for blasphemous display
 Cardinal joins protest over Boston College commencement honor for Irish leader
 Boston priests say they understand police policy at Marathon bombing site
 Despite removal from official duties, Cardinal Mahony still performing Confirmations
 Suffering will strengthen Egypt's Christians, Pope assures Coptic leader
 Puerto Rican archbishop resists Vatican pressure for resignation
 Vatican official denounces Mexican death cult
 Newark archbishop hires top criminal lawyer
 Australian detective says he can show Church officials impeded abuse probes
 German cardinal shocked by physical decline of Benedict XVI
 German Church leaders deny disagreement over women deacons
 Cardinal sees no misunderstanding in media coverage of LCWR dispute
 Pope Francis does not administer Communion: new policy explained
 Background: World Communications Day
 Delaware legalizes same-sex marriage
 Abuse scandal’s total cost: $2.62 billion since 2004

Released Wednesday, May. 8

 Priest killed in Colombia: 4th clerical murder victim this year
 Evangelization requires building relationships with everyone, Pope says
 At weekly audience, Pope speaks about Holy Spirit
 Italian Cardinal Scola decries blasphemy laws
 New Jersey pastor resigns after allowing youth ministry by Father Fugee
 Still no word on kidnapped Orthodox prelates in Syria
 Papal sympathy for Mexican accident victims
 Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life
 Tanzania: nuncio describes bomb attack during church dedication
 Orissa: 5 years after anti-Christian pogrom, little justice for victims
 Allende praises Church’s efforts on behalf of human rights during Pinochet regime
 Guatemalan bishop criticizes government following suspension of constitutional rights
 Holy See, US sign agreement to combat money laundering, terrorism financing

Released Tuesday, May. 7

 Christians should not whine, Pope tells congregation
 Australian investigator claims ‘Catholic mafia’ stalled abuse probe
 Vatican mourns former Italian premier Andreotti
 Gosnell trial points to need for penalties for killing babies who survive abortions
 President of St. Luke's suspended after charges of sexual, financial impropriety
 Schedule set for Pope's July trip to Rio de Janeiro
 Irish prime minister plans to defy bishops on abortion bill
 Pope discouraging speculation on future of Vatican bank
 Massachusetts bishop faces charges for drunk driving, leaving accident scene
 Vatican denies clear signs of discord on handling of LCWR
 Archbishop Chaput on the Gosnell trial
 Prelate emphasizes: same-sex marriage is ‘serious injustice’
 Bangladesh: prelate calls for peace following Islamist violence
 Syria: ‘prayers mingled with tears’ at Easter
 Leading sister defends LCWR against Vatican investigation
 Central African Republic: bishops rebuke new president, demand restitution of stolen property

Released Monday, May. 6

 Pope welcomes new members of Swiss Guard
 Pope visits St. Mary Major, speaks on Marian devotion
 Swiss president meets with Pope
 Protect children from abuse, Pope insists
 Russian Patriarch hopes for continued ecumenical progress under Pope Francis
 Pope speaks on treasures of popular piety
 Vatican cardinal questions decision to reform LCWR
 Scottish cardinal instructed by Vatican to leave country?
 Papal envoy calls for re-evangelization at 600th anniversary of Lithuanian cathedral
 Beatification of Brazilian laywoman, daughter of a slave
 Madonna of Quintiliolo venerated at Vatican’s Day of Confraternities and Popular Piety
 Holy Land bishops’ official rues decision on security wall
 Bomb explodes at dedication of Tanzanian church; nuncio, archbishop present

Released Friday, May. 3

 President of New York Catholic university resigns amid corruption charges
 German prelate's support for female deacons confuses the faithful, theologian says
 Pope meets Lebanese president, talks focus on Syrian conflict
 Four candidates move forward toward beatification
 Vatican police conduct riot drill
 Irish bishops oppose bid to legalize abortion
 Embattled Newark priest resigns from active ministry
 Benedict XVI pleased with new residence
 USCCB: pray, fast that the Supreme Court uphold Proposition 8
 Bishops’ spokeswoman decries decision on morning-after pill
 Islamist group tells Christian missionaries: leave Kashmir or ‘suffer the consequences’
 Nigerian cardinal says nation threatened by ‘twin monsters’
 Malaysia’s ruling party displays anti-Christian billboards during election campaign
 Baltimore: basilica illuminated in honor of death penalty repeal

Released Thursday, May. 2

 University president apologizes for blasphemous mockery of Pope
 Russia tightens scrutiny for religious bodies
 Annual Vatican message to Buddhists highlights shared reverence for life
 Obama administration to appeal court ruling on morning-after pill
 Vatican official's message highlights tensions for Church in Shanghai
 Supporters of lesbian teacher may boycott diocesan fund drive
 Pope Francis speak on the Church that 'says Yes'
 Relics of John Paul II in exhibit for World Youth Day
 US troops face penalties for ‘proselytization’
 New exposé at late-term abortion clinic
 Benedict XVI returns to Vatican, welcomed by Pope Francis
 ‘How to see the new Pope in Rome’
 Rhode Island legalizes same-sex marriage
 CDF prefect pays tribute to St. Pius V
 15 nations named ‘egregious’ religious-freedom violators
 Typical new priest: 32-year-old cradle Catholic who prays Rosary, takes part in Eucharistic adoration

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