Catholic Culture Overview
Catholic Culture Overview

Stories for June 2012

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Friday, Jun. 29

 Supreme Court decision on Obamacare clears way for bishops’ lawsuits
 Archbishop Naumann wants—and demonstrates—clarity on Catholic social teaching
 Summarizing the case for skepticism about Medjugorje
 Casey decision must be overturned, legal scholar argues
 German Pope congratulates Italian soccer victors
 Pakistani archbishop hospitalized; misses pallium ceremony
 Abortions continue at Spanish Catholic hospital, pro-life protesters charge
 Ireland: stay-at-home mothers decreasing in number
 Dutch brother suspected in deaths of 37 disabled boys in 1950s
 SSPX leader acknowledges difficulties in talks with Vatican
 Pope speaks on Sts. Peter and Paul, inseparable pillars of Church in Rome

Released Thursday, Jun. 28

 Lawsuit filed in Virginia charges abuse by Father Euteneuer
 USCCB shoots back at liberal critic of 'Fortnight' campaign
 Cardinal Schönborn tells US: support democracy in Arab world by protecting Christians
 Pope praises Patriarchs of Constantinople for ecumenical commitment
 Chinese officials postpone illicit ordination as faithful protest
 Pope stays neutral for Germany-Italy soccer game
 Supreme Court upholds Obama health-care reform
 Milan’s Duomo seen in earthquake danger
 Vatican advances candidates toward beatification
 Archbishop Sheen moved closer to beatification
 Mafia victim recognized as martyr
 Chinese parents protest 'one-child' policy
 Pope's prayer intentions for July 2012

Released Wednesday, Jun. 27

 Father Pavone wins partial victory on Vatican appeal
 L'Osservatore profiles Greg Burke
 Queen Elizabeth visits Catholic church, meets ex-IRA leader, in Northern Ireland
 Philadelphia judge weighing house arrest for convicted priest
 Austrian cardinal: dissident priests cannot serve in administrative posts
 Vatican bank board begins search for new president
 Archbishop Lori explains Fortnight for Freedom campaign
 Calgary bishop raps critics for trying to force vaccinations in Catholic schools
 Vatican announces changes in pallium ceremony
 Christ's exalted because of humility, Pope tells audience
 Egyptian president-elect seeks to reassure Christians on Islamic control
 Gay-ministry group refuses to affirm Catholic teaching
 Electric car donated to Pope

Released Tuesday, Jun. 26

 With or without mandate, American Catholicism seen headed toward political showdown
 Catholics cannot afford political neutrality, says K of C leader
 A flurry of appointments to Roman Curia
 American prelate named to key Vatican post for talks with SSPX
 Prominent Indian Catholic politician whitewashes BJP on anti-Christian violence
 Canadian diocese under pressure to allow in-school HPV vaccinations
 Argentine bishop resigns after compromising photos broadcast
 Lawyers to seek house-arrest status for Msgr. Lynn in Philadelphia abuse case
 Russian Orthodox official seeking alliances with China's excommunicated Catholic bishops?
 Obama administration puts abortion politics above needs of oppressed women, analysts note
 US bishops concerned by Supreme Court ruling on Arizona immigration law
 Pope's valet to remain in Vatican holding cell
 Pope brings personal reassurance to earthquake victims

Released Monday, Jun. 25

 Fortnight for Freedom commentary
 Cardinal Levada to retire soon as head of CDF?
 Pope asks more prayers, aid for Italian earthquake victims
 John the Baptist connected with Christ's birth, death, Pope tells audience
 New Vatican document focuses on obstacles to priestly vocations
 Greek Orthodox diocese encourages protests against Gay Pride parade
 Scrutinize loans to developing nations, Vatican delegate urges UN
 American journalist named to new Vatican communications post
 Pope confers with cardinals on 'Vatileaks' scandal, curial organization
 Paraguay’s president, a former bishop, impeached, sets up alternative government
 Archbishop Lori: Fortnight for Freedom opening homily
 Togo: bishops decry police raid on church
 Vatican spokesman recalls plight of refugees
 Laos: security officials dismissed following conversion to Christianity

Released Friday, Jun. 22

 Vatican likely to pass Euro financial-transparency test
 Fortnight for Freedom commentaries
 AIDS treatment should be free worldwide: Cardinal Bertone
 Legionaries cannot be reformed, former member argues
 Iowa diocese emerges from bankruptcy
 Pope praises efforts to promote Christian principles in agriculture
 Latin American Church needs new effort to stop attrition to Evangelicals, Pope says
 Australian census finds unchurched population, minority religions growing
 Papal delegate reminds Rio +20 conference: human person is central
 Philadelphia: former archdiocesan official found guilty of endangering children
 20 churches face demolition in Indonesia
 USCCB launches text-message campaign for religious liberty
 Philadelphia archdiocese to cut 45 jobs, end publication of newspaper
 USCCB lauds House committee votes on abortion, vouchers
 US bishops urge government to remember plight of refugees
 Strong criticism of Roman Jews from Pius XII defender

Released Thursday, Jun. 21

 Catholic university not exempt from federal labor regulations, board rules
 Vatican announces plans for Year of Faith
 Australian archbishop urges political leaders to fulfill promise on marriage legislation
 Vatican, Montenegro enter into new diplomatic accord
 Archbishop Chaput assesses threats to religious freedom, need for Catholic response
 Papal plea for peace in Syria
 US bishops’ ‘Fortnight for Freedom’ begins June 21
 Doctor alleges massive euthanasia in Britain
 Argentine bishop apologizes following publication of compromising photos
 Italian Jesuit expelled from Syria
 Cardinal Dolan releases eBook
 150th anniversary of Scheut Missionaries

Released Wednesday, Jun. 20

 Pope meets with Latvian premier
 First World lifestyles must change, European bishops' leader tells Rio +20 conference
 New Live Action exposé: abortion clinics in North Carolina offer help with sex-selection abortion
 Rio +20 conference rejects calls to support abortion, population control
 Pope appeals for end to violence against Christians in Nigeria
 Prayer of praise help the faithful see God's plan, Pope tells audience
 Jury deadlocked in Philadelphia abuse trial; judge asks for more deliberations
 CHA head emphasizes: government program, not Catholic hospitals, should pay for contraceptive coverage
 Eastern Orthodox leader urges ascesis to reverse climate change
 Catholic hospital sued for denying health insurance to lesbian in civil marriage
 Over 100 Protestant leaders announce opposition to HHS mandate
 USCCB issues urgent action alert on farm bill
 Camaldolese commemorate 1,000th anniversary

Released Tuesday, Jun. 19

 Vatican releases working document for October meeting of Synod
 Vatican bank passed transparency test, Italian paper reports
 Pope to visit Italy's earthquake-ravaged Emilia Romagna region
 'Atheist' blogger announces her conversion
 Nigeria: Islamist terrorists attack 3 churches, killing dozens
 Hindu radicals attack Christian village in Orissa
 New LCWR statement on meeting with CDF
 Network begins ‘nuns on the bus’ tour to protest Ryan budget plan
 USCCB spokeswoman pays tribute to Sargent Shriver
 Profiles of devoted ‘millennial Catholics’

Released Monday, Jun. 18

 Pope comments on liturgical renewal, sex-abuse crisis, in final message to Dublin congress
 Cardinal Bertone: media exaggerates turmoil in Vatican
 Pope meets with 'Vatileaks' investigative commission
 SSPX response to Pope's offer expected in July
 We sow, and God provides the harvest, Pope tells Sunday audience
 Dissident Irish priests' group raps Cardinal Dolan's report on seminary life
 Respect rights of refugees, Pontiff urges
 RealCatholic TV changes name to ChurchMilitant TV
 Times editor: disaffected Catholics should leave Church
 US bishops welcome presidential decision on illegal immigrants
 Canadian prelate laments euthanasia ruling
 President mocks Defense of Marriage Act
 USCCB, CRS to host webcast on protecting ‘life-saving’ federal aid programs
 Vatican spokesman: do not ‘forget or abandon’ Syria
 Catholic Health Association calls for change on HHS contraceptive mandate

Released Friday, Jun. 15

 CDF prefect gives blunt appraisal of talks with LCWR
 Irish archbishops fault critical report on Pontifical Irish College
 Sri Lankan politician asks Pope to protect bishop from government reprisals
 A listing of bishops who have been forced from office
 Pope speaks with president of UN General Assembly on conflict resolution
 Holy See establishes Australian ordinariate for former Anglicans
 SSPX foresees ‘new phase of discussions’ with Holy See
 International Eucharistic Congress: Irish cardinal offers apology to abuse victims
 Catholic agencies urge G20 to promote small farms, local food in fight against poverty
 USCCB meeting: updates on new media, defense of marriage

Released Thursday, Jun. 14

 Keep human person at center of 'sustainable development' plans, Vatican urges
 Without sanction from Rome, LCWR would be just another private group, notes English cleric
 Cardinal Ravasi announces new Vatican effort in world of sports
 Bishop criticizes USCCB committee’s reaction to Ryan budget
 US bishops strongly affirm drive to protect religious freedom
 Australian bishops issue pastoral letter on marriage
 FAO director meets with Pope, praises Church efforts against hunger
 US priests form group to promote 'vision of Vatican II'
 USCCB meeting: plans for Year of Faith announced; 10-year report on abuse scandal issued
 Eucharistic Congress: legate apologizes for clerical abuse; focus on priesthood, St. Anthony
 SSPX spokesman: Bishop Fellay to make decision on papal offer in a ‘few days’
 SSPX bishop criticizes ‘Modernist Rome,’ says Pope Benedict ‘remains Modernist’
 Rabbi lauds continued progress in Jewish-Catholic relations

Released Wednesday, Jun. 13

 Vatican seeks ".catholic" internet domain
 Pope points to St. Paul's utter reliance on union with Christ
 Irish justice minister: priests must break seal of confession in abuse cases
 Loyal Chinese Catholics oppose plans to ordain new bishop in defiance of Rome
 Hawaii Planned Parenthood clinics help women arrange tax-funded sex-selection abortions
 Trapped Christians in Homs promote reconciliation initiative
 Strains show as Philadelphia jury continues deliberations on abuse case
 Papal prayers for Dublin meeting
 Papal decision today on SSPX?
 International Eucharistic Congress: focus on marriage, family, abuse scandal
 English bishops warn against same-sex marriage
 Nun who leads Network disparages bishops, hesitant to call herself pro-life
 Doctors could screen unborn children for 3,500 genetic disorders
 Vatican to end VIS information service
 Priest predicts radical Salafists will not come to power in Tunisia

Released Tuesday, Jun. 12

 LCWR leaders meet with Vatican officials to discuss reform
 No change in Vatican stand on East Jerusalem, official assures
 Christians at risk as Syria begins 'slide into hell'
 Vatican Radio moving from short-wave broadcast to newer technologies
 Fighting in Syria raises concerns about Pope's scheduled trip to neighboring Lebanon
 Reject a culture of lies, Pope asks faithful of Rome
 Discovered: homilies by 3rd-century theologian Origen
 New book offers reflections of bishop slain in Turkey in 2010
 International Eucharistic Congress focuses on Christian unity, New Evangelization
 US bishops’ religious liberty campaign taking shape
 Vatican prelate visits Azerbaijan, a nation of 450 Catholics
 California diocese renames Crystal Cathedral
 USCCB, CRS again urge Catholics to lobby for foreign aid for poor
 Researcher counters claim of widespread illegal abortion in Colombia

Released Monday, Jun. 11

 Bishop Blair strongly defends call for reform of LCWR
 Vatican diplomats must be loyal to Pontiff, Pope says
 Study shows negative outcomes of same-sex parenting
 US State Department drops reports on religious freedom
 Vatican 'regrets' leak of letter about personal behavior of ousted bank president
 Palestinians complain Vatican prepared to recognize Israeli rule on West Bank
 Boko Haram wants wider religious violence, says Nigerian prelate
 Cardinal Scola rebukes Communion and Liberation for criticizing predecessors
 Stand Up for Religious Freedom rallies draw thousands; little media coverage
 Pope extols value of silence during Eucharistic adoration
 Scottish archbishop: treatment of asylum seekers is a scandal
 Build Christian culture, protect family, Pope urges bishops from Oceania
 Travelers need special care, Pope reminds airport chaplains
 Euro Cup competitors receive papal encouragement
 Backing DREAM Act, USCCB campaign says Rubio bill would ‘create permanent underclass’
 Vatican spokesman: Catholics in irregular marriages are not outside the Church
 Denmark: mandatory same-sex marriage ceremonies don’t apply to non-Lutheran churches
 Christians given ultimatum to leave Syrian city
 Holy See: ‘surprise and concern’ at seizure of Vatican bank president's dossier
 International Eucharistic Congress opens in Dublin

Released Friday, Jun. 8

 Franciscan leaders back LCWR in conflict with Vatican
 German priests challenge Church law on Communion for divorced/remarried Catholics
 Sri Lanka's president meets with Pontiff
 Italian police seized Vatican bank president's dossier, intended for Pope
 Secretary says Pope Benedict 'pruned dead branches' in Vatican bureaucracy
 Philadelphia jury breaks for weekend in key sex-abuse trial
 US bishops' accountability, 10 years after Dallas
 Bishop Zubik: Why should Church cede its religious freedom to the government?
 English dioceses launch ‘100 Days of Peace’ for Olympics
 Cardinal Ouellet: ecclesiology of communion at heart of Vatican II
 Theological society supports Sister Farley following CDF notification
 Cuban opposition group ‘happy’ following meeting with Cardinal Ortega
 Bishop Fellay: ‘total acceptance of Vatican II’ no longer prerequisite for full communion with Holy See

Released Thursday, Jun. 7

 Columnist: 10 years after Dallas, US bishops still not held accountable
 Celebrating Corpus Christi, Pope stresses sacred character of Eucharist
 Ousted Vatican banker kept dossiers to defend his performance
 Rochester diocese identifies all priests dismissed on abuse charges
 Vatican press director speaks about restoring trust after 'Vatileaks'
 Cleveland's Bishop Lennon acknowledges rift with clergy
 Ontario Catholic schools will obey rule requiring gay-straight alliances
 Denmark requires churches to solemnize same-sex weddings
 USCCB urges immediate action on farm bill
 Double standard: media coverage of abuse by priests, teachers
 New Zealand bishops: use Missal books, not iPads
 Seattle Jesuit: opposing same-sex marriage is ‘denial of civil rights’
 Australian bishop who called for discussion of women’s ordination resigns
 Protestant pastor brutally murdered in India
 Pakistan: bishops praise threatened activist

Released Wednesday, Jun. 6

 Philadelphia archdiocese seeks new funding for World Meeting of Families
 New evidence of authenticity for Shroud of Turin
 Australian priest charged with sex abuse had spiritual director with similar charges
 Forced sex-selection abortions discovered in Indian state
 Cardinal Sodano downplays significance of conflicts within Vatican
 Turkish feminists decry bid to ban abortion
 Cardinals involved in 'Vatileaks' scandal?
 Another Live Action exposé: Arizona clinics help with sex-selection abortions
 Pope salutes Queen Elizabeth on Diamond Jubilee
 'Telemed abortions' cut costs for Planned Parenthood clinics
 Recalling Meeting of Families, Pope stresses need for Sabbath rest
 60 Franciscans to attend UN environmental conference
 USCCB offers bulletin inserts, prayer cards for 2012 Farm Bill
 Religious freedom rallies to take place in 154 cities
 Muslim pressure prevents building of Indonesian seminary
 Prelate pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth on diamond jubilee
 Cardinal sees Eucharistic Congress as turning point for Church in Ireland

Released Tuesday, Jun. 5

 Paraguay's president, a former bishop, fathered a child while still in clergy
 Libya after Qaddafi: learning to live without violence
 Irish survey finds decline in Catholic practice, belief
 Columnist proposes extra tax on contraceptives to remedy environmental damage
 Italian prosecutors search home, office of ousted Vatican bank president
 Why Obama won't compromise on the HHS mandate
 Vatican judge begins questioning of Pope's valet
 Background on Vatican demand for reform of LCWR
 Cardinal Bertone breaks his silence on 'Vatileaks' scandal
 Guatemalan Cardinal Quezada Toruño dead at 80
 Historical background: For Greater Glory
 Court rules it’s illegal for Christians to refuse to photograph same-sex ceremonies
 Melkite priest rips Western media, says Syrian rebels have destroyed churches
 Bosnia-Herzegovina: prelate laments ‘well-formulated strategy’ to eliminate Catholic presence
 Sisters of Mercy president defends Farley, criticizes CDF

Released Monday, Jun. 4

 Vatican issues warning on book by prominent American nun
 Suicide bomber hits church in Nigeria
 Philadelphia will host 2015 World Meeting of Families; Pope expected
 Pope describes Beethoven's 9th Symphony as message of solidarity
 Marriage is fruitful for spouses, children, and society, Pope tells Milan meeting
 Vatican denies reports of division over firing of bank president
 Selective media coverage: intense focus on 'Vatileaks,' little notice of HHS lawsuit
 Vatican leaks continue, even after arrest of Pope's valet
 600th anniversary of Roman Catholic see in Ukraine
 USCCB: dialogues with Sikhs, Muslims
 Vatican spokesman praises married love
 Boston cardinal addresses World Meeting of Families
 USCCB: federal court’s DOMA ruling is ‘grave injustice’
 Cardinal calls upon world leaders to tackle widespread hunger
 Vatican envoy denounces Syrian massacre

Want more news? Visit the Archives.

Subscribe to Insights...free!
News, analysis & spirituality by email twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org.
First name:
Last name:
Email address: