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Catholic Culture Solidarity

Stories for December 2013

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Tuesday, Dec. 31

 Moscow Patriarchate: Russia must do more to combat radical Islam
 Federal courts issue mixed decisions on HHS mandate
 Roman parishioners to attend Pope’s weekday Masses
 Papal appointment signals impending reform at Italian Episcopal Conference
 Pope’s prayer intentions for January 2014
 Prelate pleads for peace as violence continues in Central African Republic
 Background: papal message for January 1, the World Day of Peace

Released Monday, Dec. 30

 Pope recalls plight of refugee families, issues prayer to Holy Family for synod
 Syria’s Assad sends message to Pope Francis
 Pope Francis encourages Taizé youth to work for Christian unity
 Cardinal praises Pope’s contribution to interreligious dialogue
 Large crowds gather in Madrid for annual Holy Family Mass
 Patriarch laments assassination of Lebanese political figure
 For 2nd time in week, Pope Francis and Benedict XVI meet

Released Friday, Dec. 27

 Court overturns conviction of Philadelphia priest jailed in landmark case
 USCCB: pray, fast for families facing trials
 Pope Francis prays for persecuted Christians, says St. Stephen counters false image of Christmas

Released Thursday, Dec. 26

 Christmas bombings in Baghdad kill at least 37
 Malaysian prelate criticizes prime minister over ‘Allah’ restriction
 Somalia bans Christmas

Released Wednesday, Dec. 25

 Pope Francis's Christmas Message 'Urbi et Orbi' (To the City and the World): full text, link to video

Released Tuesday, Dec. 24

 Pope Francis's Homily at Christmas Mass: full text, link to video
 Pope enjoys 88% popularity in US, CNN poll shows
 Indonesian Christians brace for Islamic attacks at Christmas
 Cardinal explains Pope Francis’s ‘equivalent canonization’ of St. Peter Faber
 Christian leaders in Jerusalem call for peace, urge prayers for refugees
 Maronite patriarch denounces divorce attorneys
 USCCB: ‘confusion and error triumph’ in court decisions on same-sex marriage
 Indonesian police to guard nearly 40,000 churches

Released Monday, Dec. 23

 Pope spends Saturday with young patients at pediatric hospital
 Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI for exchange of Christmas greetings
 On Christmas, Pope Francis celebrates anniversary of his Baptism
 CDF prefect says SSPX in schism, suspended from sacraments
 Iraq declares Christmas a holiday in bid to support Christian minority
 Pope praises 'greatness of soul' of St. Joseph at last Sunday audience before Christmas
 In address to Roman Curia, Pope warns against bureaucratic approach, in-house gossip
 Federal courts issue split decisions on HHS mandate
 Faculty at Jesuit university vote for continued abortion coverage
 Security increased at Nigerian churches
 Ordinariate establishes 1st religious community
 Same-sex marriage becomes legal in New Mexico following court decision
 Spanish government introduces pro-life measures

Released Friday, Dec. 20

 Vatican official decries Belgian move toward euthanasia for children
 Under pressure from gay activists, comedian Bob Newhart cancels appearance for Catholic group
 Italian statistics show half of marriages fail, birth rate continues decline
 Tensions in South Sudan are political, not religious or ethnic, Church leaders say
 Pope's visit to Israel set for March 25?
 God comes in silence, Pope reminds congregation at morning Mass
 US ambassador claims UN has 'collective understanding' of reproductive rights
 Christmas revives hope of Iraqi people, Chaldean Patriarch says
 Christmas is no fairy tale, Pope tells young Italians
 Diplomat's work is to facilitate positive encounter, Pope says
 Vatican approval of miracle paves way for beatification of American nun
 Seattle: Catholic school administrator dismissed following same-sex marriage; protests at 2 schools
 Bishop: religion being exploited for political ends in Central African Republic
 USCCB: pray, fast for pregnant women
 Uruguayan bishop spearheads environmental petition, welcomes its success

Released Thursday, Dec. 19

 Russian Orthodox patriarch optimistic about working with Pope Francis
 Orthodox must acknowledge responsibility for ecumenical tensions in Ukraine, says Vatican official
 Prelates to offer special Masses for success of next year's Synod meeting
 Pope meets prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
 Man sets himself on fire in St. Peter's Square; topless demonstrator arrested
 The background for Vatican intervention in the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate
 New Vatican document promotes intercultural education
 Pope encouraging Confession during Advent, asks Curia officials to hear confessions
 Catholic 'Common Core' initiative drops 1st-grade texts on divorced, same-sex couples
 Vatican hires outside consultants to study communications, accounting plans
 Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem issues annual Christmas message
 Cardinal George reflects on 50 years of priesthood
 Elderly nun assaulted in parish parking lot
 USCCB committee chair: protect programs for poor, extend unemployment benefits
 China: faithful fear police will storm cathedral, take bishop’s body
 Australian bishop testifies he was unaware of requirement to report abuse to Vatican

Released Wednesday, Dec. 18

 Vatican bank closing laymen's accounts, to focus on service for religious works
 Benedict XVI says his theological views match those of Pope Francis, German scholar reports
 Catholic League hit with defamation suit for charges against man who reported abuse
 Championship Argentine soccer team meets with its most prominent fan: Pope Francis
 Birth of Jesus shows God has bowed down to be with us, Pope tells audience
 Priest invents confession tool for the deaf
 2 churches in Vienna vandalized
 Religious discrimination suit filed against Iowa diocese
 House holds hearing on American pastor imprisoned in Iran
 Nigeria: 100 homes destroyed in Christian village
 'Marriage and Religious Freedom Act' introduced in Senate

Released Tuesday, Dec. 17

 Archbishop Nienstedt steps aside, to allow investigation of allegation that he denies
 Hindu groups block move to decriminalize homosexual acts in India
 Spanish Cardinal Carles Gordo dead at 87
 Waiving Vatican routines, Pope to declare sainthood of Peter Faber
 Pope asks homeless men to join him for birthday celebration
 Cardinal sees ‘new Legion’ of Christ arising ‘from the ashes’
 Court sides with Catholic schools, hospitals against HHS mandate
 Leading English prelate rips spousal visa policy
 Syrian rebels impose Islamic law on town’s Christians
 Damascus archbishop: some children envy the stable of Bethlehem
 Haitian bishops deplore nation’s corruption, fratricidal struggles
 February 8 designated day of prayer for human trafficking victims

Released Monday, Dec. 16

 Liberal scholars protest Koch Foundation grant to Catholic University
 Soccer team's championship thrills Pope Francis
 Pope sending Christmas presents to Rome's poor
 Top Vatican ecumenical official in Moscow for meetings with Orthodox leaders
 Vandalism of crucifix in Mumbai is affront to India's tradition of tolerance, cardinal says
 Christian teaching gave rise to understanding of human rights, says Vatican official
 Iraq's Christians feel forgotten by West, Chaldean Patriarch says
 Cardinal Wuerl added to Congregation for Bishops, replacing Cardinal Burke
 Federal judge strikes down Utah law on polygamy, citing precedent on homosexual affairs
 Pope visits young patients at Vatican dispensary
 Clericalism rules when the spirit of prophecy is lost, Pope warns
 At Gaudete Sunday audience, Pope says Church is 'house of joy'
 USCCB committee calls upon Senate to back community-access cable channels
 Vatican newspaper recalls Cardinal Rampolla, vetoed in 1903 conclave
 Uruguayan prelate decries legalization of marijuana
 Greek Orthodox bishop denies urging Syrian Christians to take up arms
 Pope Francis, in new interview, denies he is Marxist, pans idea of women cardinals
 5 Philadelphia priests removed from ministry, another placed on leave
 Central African Republic: prelate urges Christians not to take revenge on Muslims
 Philippine bishops urge president to halt planned real estate development

Released Friday, Dec. 13

 Vatican Christmas tree lit, symbolizing 'brilliant divine light'
 AP report sees cult-like pattern resisting reforms in Legion of Christ
 New Vatican Secretary of State meets with diplomatic corps
 Pope laments 'sad' Christians who always criticize preaching
 Pope Francis nominated for European communications award
 Belgian senate approves euthanasia for children
 Ukrainian prelate shows sympathy for anti-government demonstrators
 Vandals burn French church, target sacred vessels
 Cardinal, bishop support fast for immigration reform
 Indiana bishops issue statement on marriage, decline to take position on amendment
 Central African Republic: prelate distributes food as violence continues
 USCCB: pray, fast for compassion toward all

Released Thursday, Dec. 12

 Pope decries human trafficking in address to new diplomats
 India's premier meets demonstrators, promises action on anti-Christian discrimination
 Australia's top court overturns law allowing same-sex marriage in capital territory
 Moneyval report praises Vatican financial reforms, awaits practical results
 Pope, in message for World Day of Peace, sees human fraternity as key
 USCCB joins international anti-hunger campaign
 Fiji: prelate concerned about secularist interpretation of new constitution
 Religious freedom ‘highly restricted’ in 75% of nations
 Bishop criticizes Spain’s use of barbed wire to keep out immigrants
 Bishop, in National Review, criticizes caricature of Pope’s economic views
 Syrian Catholic bishop condemns Orthodox bishop’s call to arms

Released Wednesday, Dec. 11

 India's top court rules homosexuality illegal; top Catholic prelate demurs
 Excavations near completion, Vatican necropolis will offer public new views of ancient site
 Americas are called to generosity, Pope says in message for feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
 Christians should not fear final judgment, Pope tells audience
 Ukrainian Catholic bishops join anti-government demonstrators
 Pope Francis sets records for popularity in new US poll
 Pope mourns after homeless man found dead in Vatican garage
 Indian archbishop arrested, others beaten during peaceful protest
 French bishops, in pre-election statement, oppose anti-immigrant party
 Orthodox officials fear for nuns kidnapped in Syria
 Pope named Time Person of the Year
 Polish court rules that crucifix may stay in parliament
 Spanish archdiocese publishes controversial bestseller on marriage
 Argentine bishops urge police to end strike
 USCCB mourns passing of Mandela
 Ireland: 325 Christian Brothers accused of abuse since 1975
 Pakistani court: death is only punishment for blasphemy

Released Tuesday, Dec. 10

 Focolare seeks cause for beatification of founder, Chiara Lubich
 Complete reorganization planned for Legion of Christ?
 Pope decries 'global scandal' of hunger, supports Caritas International campaign
 President Obama: remarks at lighting of Christmas tree
 USCCB responds to ACLU lawsuit
 Australia: 2,215 abuse allegations made since 1996
 Vatican newspaper recalls friendship between Pope Pius XI, rabbi
 Egypt: prominent convert from Islam to Christianity arrested
 Teachers fired from Catholic school over pregnancy
 Bishops of impoverished nation urge donation to typhoon victims

Released Monday, Dec. 9

 Euro banking examiners see 'significant progress' in Vatican reforms
 Catholic journalist blasts 'immoral' Vatican call to encourage births
 Belarus: Catholic priest released to house arrest, but treason prosecution continues
 Ukrainian Orthodox leaders back anti-government protests
 Providence's Bishop Tobin criticizes Mandela support for abortion
 Colombian prelate denounces rebel offensive; Christmas truce in jeopardy
 Congo's president visits Vatican, speaks with Pope on African tensions
 Coptic Patriarch, Pope concelebrate Mass, pray for faithful in Middle East
 Zimbabwe more polarized after Mugabe's re-election, bishops warn
 Vatican advances causes of 13 candidates for beatification
 The sick show the faithful 'the suffering Christ,' Pope writes
 Young people have special affinity for internet apostolate, Pope says
 Pope crosses Rome to honor Mary on feast of the Immaculate Conception
 USCCB welcomes papal commission on sex-abuse response
 Washington’s bishops support background checks for gun purchases
 Missing Syrian nuns appear in video
 Amid Australian government inquiry, archbishop apologizes for priests’ abuse
 Mexican bishop decries extortion attempts
 Philadelphia Catholic school dismisses teacher over same-sex wedding
 Amid violence, tens of thousands flee to churches in Central African Republic

Released Friday, Dec. 6

 Irish university suspends Legion of Mary for promoting Catholic view on homosexuality
 Anti-Christian prejudice growing in Europe, Vatican official warns OSCE leaders
 Papal preacher delivers first Advent Sermon on St. Francis and the Incarnation
 Moroccan king protests proposed Vatican-Israeli agreement on Jerusalem holy sites
 Imprisoned Chinese bishop invokes Mandela's quest for freedom
 Pope joins in tributes to Mandela
 Theologians' work is 'fascinating but risky,' Pope says
 Cardinal lauds Council of Trent, hopes Vatican II will bear similar fruit
 Cardinal urges Venezuelans to vote despite threats
 Obama cites Pope on income inequality
 Legion of Christ: ‘no reason to doubt’ former US novice master committed abuse
 Central African Republic: 10,000 seek refuge at monastery
 USCCB: pray, fast for religious freedom

Released Thursday, Dec. 5

 Argentine bishop: looting is a crime, not a social protest
 Pious words without matching deeds can hurt, Pope warns faithful
 Pope will form new commission to coordinate sex-abuse response
 USCCB: action alert on farm bill
 House of Commons discusses persecution of Christians
 Los Angeles Times series on Cardinal Mahony and the abuse scandal
 Border bishops lament plight of immigrant families
 Philippine bishops challenge laity to ‘sanctify the world and transform it’
 Christian boy tortured, killed in India

Released Wednesday, Dec. 4

 Neapolitan craftsman produced Nativity creche for St. Peter's Square
 Trial begins for suspended Vatican official on corrupt-finance charges
 Orthodox prelate warns Greek lawmakers against vote for same-sex marriage
 Fatigued Pope postpones a private audience; spokesman says no cause for concern
 Shroud of Turin to go on public exhibit in 2015
 Vatican’s Financial Information Authority signs accord with German counterpart
 Council of Cardinals continues sessions, planning reform of Vatican congregations
 Dutch bishops report 'drastic secularization,' falling numbers of faithful
 Pope appeals for nuns kidnapped in Syria
 Christ transforms the faithful, preparing them for resurrection, Pope tells audience
 USCCB welcomes nuclear deal with Iran
 Patriarch calls for revised translation of Russian Bible
 Holy See will not share abuse investigation information with UN committee
 Croatians amend constitution to prevent same-sex marriage
 Melkite patriarch says ‘we are resolved to be martyrs,’ urges Pope to work for Holy Land peace
 Belgium moves closer to legalizing euthanasia for children
 New lawsuits against HHS mandate
 Central African bishop welcomes arrival of foreign troops

Released Tuesday, Dec. 3

 Giant Christmas tree from Bavaria headed for St. Peter's Square
 Vatican, Oxford libraries make ancient collections available online
 Mexican bishop urges people to resist drug-dealing cult
 Under court order, Minnesota archdiocese to release names of accused priests
 ACLU lawsuit aims at Church ethical directives on hospital policies
 Pope will visit Jordan on 2014 trip to Holy Land
 Stockton diocese likely to be 10th in US to enter bankruptcy
 Council of Cardinals meets, plans major overhaul of Roman Curia
 Hundreds of Dutch churches to close
 Turkey: major Byzantine monastery to become mosque
 Caritas to launch anti-hunger prayer campaign
 India: police investigate tribal conversions to Christianity
 Vatican cardinal analyzes challenges facing Church in the Caribbean
 Nuncio: Church willing to serve as mediator between Haiti, Dominican Republic
 Amid tensions with hierarchy, Ortega invites Pope Francis to Nicaragua

Released Monday, Dec. 2

 Pope tells students: fight the battle for holiness
 Watch and wait with Mary during Advent, Pope tells faithful
 Pope visits Roman parish for Mass, confessions, confirmations
 Educate consciences, maintain hope in secular Netherlands, Pope urges Catholic bishops
 Pope renews support for Syrian Christians; rebels kidnaps Orthodox nuns
 Evangelization and inter-faith dialogue are compatible, Pope insists
 Papal almoner embraces new role, living with the poor
 Synod of Bishops will question of Communion for divorced/remarried Catholics, secretary-general confirms
 2015 will be devoted to consecrated life, Pope says
 New director for Vatican bank; Pope's secretary to work with supervisory boards
 Pope-emeritus Benedict says he prays daily for Christians of the Middle East
 Christians, East and West, should combat persecution, Pope says in message to Orthodox Patriarch
 Pope meets Netanyahu; peace talks, papal pilgrimage top agenda
 Pope's prayer intentions for December 2013
 Ukrainian Catholic prelates back protestors, condemn police crackdown
 Ecumenical Patriarch denies he is a Freemason
 Brazil’s bishops urge government to vindicate land rights of indigenous peoples
 European official rues plight of Iraq’s Christians, calls for aid cut to Baghdad
 Pakistani Christian, once sentenced to death for blasphemy, released from prison
 Papal envoy challenges Latin America’s missionaries to proclaim Gospel in other regions

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