Catholic Culture Resources
Catholic Culture Resources

Stories for December 2015

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Thursday, Dec. 31

 Pope's prayer intentions for January 2016
 Background: papal message for January 1, the World Day of Peace
 Uruguay’s cardinal appeals for flexibility as nation implements new drunk-driving law
 Syrian patriarch decries Obama administration policy in Middle East
 Franciscan priest abducted again in Syria
 Hilary Clinton: Islamic State’s killing of Christians should be labeled genocide
 Russian Orthodox leader expresses concern that Montenegro may join NATO

Released Wednesday, Dec. 30

 Russian prelate questions whether pan-Orthodox council will take place
 Knights of Malta launch effort to help migrants in Aegean Sea
 Boycott 2022 World Cup in Qatar, German cardinal suggests
 Over 3 million saw Pope at Vatican events in 2015
 22 mission workers died violently in 2015
 Former Belgian primate discusses synod, success in fostering vocations
 Papal appeal for storm victims
 Pope Francis: let us adore the Child Jesus and take him into our arms
 Repression of religion in China seen as worst since 1970s
 Church in Poland aided 2.9 million in 2015

Released Tuesday, Dec. 29

 Philadelphia DA vows to keep priest in jail despite 2nd reversal of conviction
 Avoid entanglement in political elections, Manila cardinal tells priests
 Death threats against bishops in Bangladesh
 China makes new 2-child policy official
 Bishop appeals for calm in Corsica after attack on Muslim prayer room
 Jerusalem patriarch devotes Christmas homily to mercy

Released Monday, Dec. 28

 Shake-up in Russian Orthodox hierarchy
 Two men arrested for flying drone over Vatican
 African bishops: Christmas, Mohammed's birthday should spur interfaith dialogue
 National Catholic Reporter honors gay couple as Persons of the Year
 Papal condolences following explosion at Nigerian plant
 Pope laments ‘senseless killing’ by Islamist militants in Philippines
 Papal message to Taizé youth meeting
 Papal appeal on behalf of Cuban migrants in Central America
 Follow example of Holy Family, Pope says at Angelus address
 Family life is a pilgrimage, Pope says at jubilee of families
 Pope Francis: follow St. Stephen’s example in forgiving others
 Cardinal Parolin pays tribute to Vatican diplomat in China

Released Friday, Dec. 25

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

Released Thursday, Dec. 24

 Pope Francis: Homily at Christmas Mass (with link to video of Mass)
 President Obama issues statement on persecuted Christians
 Anglican leader issues ecumenical Christmas greeting
 ‘We will not give in to injustice’: Iraqi, Syrian prelates issue Christmas letters
 Brunei, Somalia ban Christmas celebrations
 USCCB president decries failure to pass conscience-protection legislation

Released Wednesday, Dec. 23

 Islamic State warns Iraqi Christians not to celebrate Christmas
 Orthodox Patriarch: plight of child refugees is 'disgrace for the entire human race'
 Pope Francis to receive Charlemagne Prize
 Boston archdiocese, parishioners reach accord to end 11-year stalemate at closed church
 Italian court denies 'wrongful birth' suit
 Cardinal Parolin: Church ‘cannot compromise’ on drug abuse
 New church in Damascus is ‘a true Christmas present,’ says prelate
 Muhammad’s birth to be commemorated at same time as Christmas
 Rabbi calls for expulsion of Christians from Israel
 Major conference on persecution of Christians concludes in Rome
 Prelate lauds advances against Boko Haram
 EU bishops’ commission welcomes discussion on increased border security
 Muslims protect Christians on Kenyan bus during Islamist militia attack

Released Tuesday, Dec. 22

 Landmark conviction of Philadelphia monsignor reversed for 2nd time
 US State Department backs gay envoy, raps Dominican cardinal
 Italian prosecutors seek 4.5-year prison term for Vatican monsignor charged in illegal transfer of €20 million
 Vatican cardinal encourages priest-confessors to serve 'mystery of mercy'
 Catholic Charities USA welcomes passage of spending, tax-credit bills
 God ‘never imposes upon us,’ Pope says before tree lighting; delegation visits Pope Emeritus
 Every parish in Iraqi diocese will have jubilee holy door
 A month after board’s removal, cardinal says Pope supports hospital’s staff
 Pakistani bishop calls for forgiveness amid attacks
 Christian radio host slain in Mali

Released Monday, Dec. 21

 Missionary news agency staff pleads for Pope to reverse decision to close operation
 Syrian President Assad visits Catholic parish
 Israel allows some Gaza Christians to visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem for Christmas
 Live the Jubilee in home life, Pope urges Vatican employees
 Slovenian voters reject same-sex marriage, 63-37%, in referendum vote
 Dublin's Archbishop Martin criticizes auxiliary's 'polemics' in defense of deceased prelate
 Cardinal Bertone donates €150,000 to foundation that reportedly paid for work on his new apartment
 Prince Charles asks for 'practical' support of persecuted Christians in Middle East
 Pope asks Vatican employees to pray for those involved in scandals
 ‘Return to the essentials,’ Pope Francis urges Roman Curia
 Pope expresses ‘deep appreciation’ for Syria peace plan
 At Christmas, God ‘shuffles the deck,’ Pope says in Angelus address
 Pope addresses Italian railway workers
 Vatican communications reform continues with new appointments, official’s transfer
 Pope opens holy door at homeless shelter in Rome

Released Friday, Dec. 18

 Australian Catholic Weekly report deflates allegations against Cardinal Pell
 Netanyahu notes his country-- alone in Middle East-- protects Christians
 Medical examiners rule out foul play in death of former nuncio who faced abuse charges
 Joint Vatican-Israeli commission urges respectful treatment of migrants
 Sir James MacMillan, Scottish composer, named 'Catholic of the Year' by Catholic Herald
 Bangladesh: Islamic militant confesses to involvement in ambush shooting of priest
 German bishop raps flyer issued by episcopal conference on gender theory
 2nd Sicilian bishop is focus of embezzlement probe
 Massachusetts court rules Catholic school cannot fire openly gay employee
 Minnesota archdiocese reaches agreement with prosecutors to resolve civil charges
 Vatican Christmas tree lit in December 18 ceremony
 Mother Teresa to be canonized, Vatican confirms
 Papal preacher criticizes Catholic ‘polemic,’ Protestant ‘rationalism’ regarding Virgin Mary
 Canadian PM to ask Pope to apologize for abuse in residential schools
 ACLU, Planned Parenthood concerned about Walgreens clinics in Catholic hospitals
 Ireland: Catholic, Anglican primates issue joint Christian message
 European Parliament condemns surrogacy, calls for ‘safe abortions’
 Obama administration official: Christians ‘feel safer’ in Syria than other groups do

Released Thursday, Dec. 17

 Boston hospital rejects appeal of doctor dismissed for citing health risks of homosexuality
 Lebanon: Patriarch raps lawmakers for stalemate preventing election of new president
 New York archdiocese says no evidence demonstrates claims against accused priest
 Illinois senator asks Pope to curb Dominican cardinal's criticism of gay US envoy
 Pope welcomes 'spiritual and moral' reaction against terrorism
 Pope celebrates 79th birthday with Italian Catholic Action Youth
 Annulment reforms already producing unintended consequences, canonist argues
 Vatican spokesman denies report on citizenship for bishop under investigation
 Concept of God’s mercy leads to conversions in Mongolia, says priest
 Canadian bishops, rabbis urge government to assist persecuted Christians
 Jerusalem patriarch issues Christmas message
 Jubilee in South Korea to include 30 tent-confessionals outside cathedral
 Prelate warns against ‘fortress America’

Released Wednesday, Dec. 16

 Bishops from US, Mexican cities meet at border for joint celebration
 Deceased Irish bishop called 'scapegoat' for abuse scandal
 Pope Francis: charity, Confession are at heart of jubilee year
 Brazilian bishop resigns following drunk-driving incident
 Philippine cardinal: be merciful in political life, dealings with Muslims
 Colombian rebel nurse accused of committing hundreds of forced abortions
 German Catholics to observe day of prayer for persecuted Christians
 EU bishops’ commission: UN climate summit is ‘great forward step’ for mankind
 Do not react to violence with hatred and discrimination, says USCCB president

Released Tuesday, Dec. 15

 10,000 Chinese Catholics join in ceremony as 'underground' bishop opens Holy Door
 European bank regulators urge Vatican prosecution of money-laundering suspects
 Fight indifference, Pope urges in World Day of Peace message
 17 sainthood, beatification causes advance
 Orthodox leader: cooperate with Catholics to help persecuted Christians
 Central African Republic: Muslim youth have ‘laid down their weapons’ because of papal visit
 Orthodox vespers at Cologne cathedral
 Reports of crackdown on Christian, human rights activists in Vietnam
 With reservations, Caritas welcomes climate agreement

Released Monday, Dec. 14

 Sri Lankan president meets with Pontiff
 Venezuelan cardinal decries suppression of government critics
 Syria: 17 churches have been destroyed by Islamic extremists
 Vatican officials not given advance notice as Pope puts annulment reforms into effect
 Young people have a right to work with dignity, Pope says
 Chinese Catholics-- even in 'underground' Church-- respond to Jubilee Year
 Vaitcan spokesman: 'no idea' how many Holy Doors will be opened in dioceses
 New Vatican document highlights role of religious brothers
 Roman police nab counterfeiters producing fake papal blessings
 Pope comments on UN climate change agreement
 Convert and experience joy, Pope says during Angelus address
 Pope opens holy door at Lateran Basilica, calls upon faithful to be instruments of mercy
 ‘Merciful love is the most striking attribute of God,’ Pope says in homily
 Schedule announced for papal trip to Mexico
 Vatican announces creation of pontifical healthcare commission
 Council of Cardinals will discuss ‘healthy decentralization’ of Church governance
 Papal preacher devotes 2nd Advent sermon to call to holiness

Released Friday, Dec. 11

 New York parishioners charge pastor used church funds to pay homosexual companion
 Extremist group disrupting Catholic church services around Las Vegas
 Puerto Rican archbishop asks UN help to ease debt crisis
 Iraqi prelate seeks international commitment to freeze assets of Islamic State, commit ground troops
 Heart condition forces Cardinal Pell to postpone testimony for Australian sex-abuse inquiry
 'Vatileaks II' trial may be recessed for several weeks
 Cardinal Turkson clarifies remarks on birth control: Church approves 'responsible parenthood'
 Pope's reforms of annulment process are now in effect
 New Vatican letter on contemplation and consecrated life
 Orthodox rabbis: Jews and Christians have ‘common covenantal mission’
 Holy See delegation backs 1.5-degree global-warming limit
 Cardinal Wuerl, others urge Kerry to designate ISIS killing of Christians ‘genocide’
 Holy See diplomat rues violations of international humanitarian law
 Welcome Syrian refugees, Cardinal McCarrick urges
 USCCB committee chair, private schools welcome passage of new federal education law

Released Thursday, Dec. 10

 New Vatican document: Catholics should not seek to convert Jews
 Over 3,200 migrants have died in Mediterranean this year, Italian bishops' spokesman reports
 Bishops of England and Wales discuss but dismiss proposal to ordain married men
 Catholic church destroyed by Islamic extremists in Yemen
 Vatican admits financial 'irregularity' at CDF, clears Cardinal Müller
 Council of Cardinals meeting this week with Pontiff to continue planning for Vatican reforms
 Retired Cardinals Furno, Terrazas, RIP
 Pope postpones pastoral visits to Italian dioceses
 Bishop criticizes Obama administration over lack of genocide designation
 French bishops criticize increasing secularization
 Catholic university opens in Iraq
 Vatican cardinal speaks at climate conference, calls for ‘transformational’ agreement
 Irish bishops call for action to counter homelessness

Released Wednesday, Dec. 9

 Indiana archdiocese welcomes Syrian refugee family despite governor's order
 European bank examiners recognize Vatican progress toward financial transparency
 Cardinal Turkson: Pope may intervene if Paris climate-changes talks stall
 At audience, Pope says understanding God's mercy requires recognizing our sinfulness
 In Kiev, Orthodox protest rumored plan for papal visit to Ukraine
 Crowds in St. Peter’s Square pray Rosary, view ecological show projected on basilica
 Pope prays for people of Rome during traditional veneration of Immaculate Mary
 The Virgin Mary reminds us that ‘everything is mercy,’ Pope tells faithful
 Pope Francis inaugurates extraordinary jubilee year

Released Monday, Dec. 7

 Security tightened around St. Peter's Square for Jubilee Year
 Islamic extremists issue threats against Egypt's Coptic monasteries
 Ecumenical Patriarch sends greetings to Pope on 50th anniversary of historic joint declaration
 Excommunication for harsh criticism of Pontiff?
 Breakthrough: North Korea will allow celebration of Mass in Pyongyang cathedral
 Duluth diocese becomes 13th to file for bankruptcy
 Vatican authorizes first-ever external audit, by Pricewaterhouse
 Pope-emeritus Benedict will join in ceremony for opening of Holy Door
 'Vatileaks II' trial opens; court says defense can call cardinals as witnesses
 The Church is the mother of vocations, Pope says in message
 Pope lights Assisi Nativity scene, laments plight of migrants
 Papal message to charismatic movement
 Beatification of 3 priests slain by Maoists in Peru
 Stop climate change, pray for Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, Pope says following Angelus address
 ‘We should always convert,’ says Pope
 Catholic schools should be ‘truly Catholic’ and open to all, says Pope

Released Friday, Dec. 4

 Fees surpass $5 million in Minnesota archdiocesean bankruptcy proceedings
 Dominican Republic: high court overturns law allowing for abortion in some cases
 Detailed plans for opening of Jubilee year
 President Aquino of Philippines meets with Pope
 Cardinal Wuerl: 'internal forum' not seen by Synod as alternative to annulment process
 France to shut down radical mosques?
 Pope thanks members of Council for the Economy for work on Vatican reforms
 Irish Catholic schools required to treat homosexuals equally in hiring teachers
 Senate votes to defund Planned Parenthood; presidential veto certain
 Papal preacher devotes 1st Advent sermon to Christ and the Church
 Coptic Orthodox leader meets with Franciscans
 Holy Land bishops: visit shrines as a sign of penance
 Our charism is martyrdom, says Chaldean patriarch
 Pope writes preface to youth Bible
 Prefect discusses history, limits of Vatican II document on communications
 Patriarch: Catholics and Russian Orthodox uphold ‘the same Gospel values’
 ‘Tolerance’ should not be alibi for denying religious freedom, says Vatican foreign minister

Released Thursday, Dec. 3

 'Vatileaks' defendant's home raided by Italian police in separate investigation
 Italian cabinet minister ducks question on extradition of 'Vatileaks II' defendants
 Focus on Jesus is key to evangelization, Pope says
 Cardinal Burke: Communion for divorced/remarried would be 'fundamental' break from Church teaching
 Traditionalist leader rejects English bishops' call for change in Good Friday prayer for Jews
 Live TV coverage for Pope's opening of Holy Door to inaugurate Jubilee
 Indiana governor, archbishop meet to discuss Syrian refugees
 Rome's homeless form audience for Vatican premiere of film about Pope Francis
 Samoan leader meets with Pope
 Argentina’s bishops decry drug trafficking
 Indonesia may relax restrictions on church construction
 Indian Catholics, Protestant to join in prayer for Dalits
 Patriarch: pray for the liberation of Mosul
 Scholar predicts robust Christian growth in China
 USCCB publishes resource on gender theory, ideology

Released Wednesday, Dec. 2

 Activists press El Salvador to re-open investigation into killing of US missionaries
 Notre Dame faculty committee advises against reducing theology requirement
 Wales begins 'presumed consent' policy for organ donation
 English cardinal: use of military force against Islamic State is justifiable
 Dominican Republic spars with gay US ambassador
 Pope explains plans for Jubilee Year of Mercy
 Cuba shuts down small Christian churches
 British abuse inquiry to investigate churches, politicians
 Pope Francis speaks on journey to Africa
 Plans announced for Pontifical Franciscan University in Rome
 Congo’s bishops: Thwart bid for new term for nation’s president
 Philippines: prelate criticizes presidential candidate over remark about Pope

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