Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary

Stories for April 2015

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Thursday, Apr. 30

 Radical Islam coming to Benin, prelate reports
 Lay Catholics should be involved in politics, Pope says
 Philadelphia priest returned to prison after court decision reinstating conviction
 Pope's prayer intentions for May 2015
 Despite dangers, Christian pilgrimages still focus on Holy Land, Middle East
 Ecumenical work is obligatory, Pope tells Anglican-Catholic commission
 Nigerian bishop rips Obama administration for pushing African nations to accept homosexuality
 Pope institutes commission to reform Vatican’s media operations
 Coptic Orthodox leader denounces court decision on divorce
 Armenian church seeks return of historic headquarters
 International community’s indifference to Mideast Christians is reminiscent of Pilate, says prelate
 Vatican climate-change conference calls for ‘rapid world transformation’ to renewable, low-carbon energy
 Cardinal Canestri dies at 96
 Action urged on pro-life legislation

Released Wednesday, Apr. 29

 Nigerian archbishop says industrial countries should bear brunt of fossil-fuel restraints
 Catholic-school teachers in New York threaten a strike
 Nigerian troops free 300 women kidnapped by Boko Haram
 Nuclear deterrence is unstable; weapons should be eliminated, UN envoy tells UN
 Three suspects charged in death of Austrian missionary nun in South Africa
 Pope meets with Ecuador’s president
 Revere and have compassion on the poor, Pope says in video appeal
 Pope laments broken marriage bonds, calls for equal pay for equal work
 Victory for Nashville Dominicans, other Catholic entities against HHS mandate
 Kentucky court upholds right of business to refuse to print gay pride T-shirts
 Supreme Court hears oral arguments in same-sex marriage case

Released Tuesday, Apr. 28

 Political demonstrations turn deadly in Burundi as president seeks 3rd term
 Papal charity sends $100,000 to Nepal earthquake victims
 Christians used as scapegoats as Sunnis, Shi'ite struggle for power, Iraqi prelate says
 Turkey invites Vatican to exposition: conciliatory gesture after diplomatic row
 Bishop reports 'very, very frightening scene' after earthquake in Nepal
 Pennsylvania's top court restores conviction of Philadelphia cleric on abuse charge
 Syrian archbishop says government could defeat Islamic State if foreign nations cut support
 Christian exodus contributing to rise of militant Islam in Middle East: Maronite Patriarch
 Cardinal Mamberti receives additional appointment
 Pope, UN secretary general push for worldwide action on climate change
 Mexican cardinal laments nation’s corruption, violence
 Vatican cardinal: Jaricot a ‘bright star’ in Church’s evangelizing efforts
 Pope Francis to celebrate outdoor Mass in Washington
 Anniversary of St. John Paul’s canonization recalled
 Bakery owners ordered to pay $135,000 over same-sex wedding cake

Released Monday, Apr. 27

 Swedish queen meets with Pope
 Vatican official unsatisfied with Europe's response to immigration crisis
 US priests urge Synod to issue clear affirmation of Church teaching on marriage
 All are called to holiness, Pope reminds Benin’s bishops
 Thousands attend March for Marriage in Washington
 Coptic teacher, students arrested for ‘contempt of religion’ in Egypt
 Papal telegram to Divine Mercy conference
 Christ is the Good Shepherd, Pope emphasizes
 Foundress of religious institute beatified in Canada
 Papal prayer, solidarity for Nepal’s earthquake victims
 Pope Francis ordains 19 men to the priesthood
 Pope Francis pays tribute to St. John Paul II

Released Friday, Apr. 24

 Vatican envoy speaks at UN about extremists' recruitment of young followers
 Belgian court finds archbishop culpable for failure to act on abuse complaint
 Keep faith growing, Pope encourages bishops from Namibia, Lesotho
 Czech president visits Pontiff
 Italian prosecutor says his investigation stopped terror attack on Vatican in 2010
 Nations may fear 'legal consequences' of recognizing Armenian genocide, says Lebanese prelate
 Soccer star Maradona meets Pope, calls himself 'number-one fan'
 Moroccan government minister's polygamous plan stirs public debate
 Report: Pope to criticize Argentine hierarchy’s actions during dictatorship
 Vatican cardinal visits Cuba
 Italy: priest arrested for murder
 Colombian bishops lament euthanasia protocol
 President Obama welcomes Pope’s ‘expression of views’ on Armenian genocide
 Activists, congressmen prod Obama on religion envoy
 Religious leaders issue open letter on marriage and religious liberty

Released Thursday, Apr. 23

 Pope's visit causes twist in pro football schedule
 Vatican has not decided on proposed French ambassador, agency reports
 German bishops' report: laity want change in Church teaching; many priests do not pray regularly
 Vatican celebrates Pope's 'name day'
 Bishop intervenes to block lecture by Sister Jeannine Gramick in North Carolina
 Nuns walk out of San Francisco Catholic high school to protest pro-homosexual program
 ACLU suit challenges federal funding for Catholic programs aiding immigrants, citing lack of access to abortion
 Pastor halts firearms training, on bishop' orders
 Cardinal Danneels reportedly urged Belgian King Badouin to sign liberal abortion law
 No simple solution to immigrant crisis: Italian bishops' spokesman
 Italy's quick-divorce law takes effect
 Refugees from Mediterranean tragedy buried in Malta at inter-religious ceremony
 Estonian Orthodox gravitating toward Ukrainian Catholic Church?
 Belgian primate plans to live with new religious community upon retirement
 Armenian Apostolic Church: canonization of 1.5 million genocide victims
 French prime minister: 178 Catholic churches under police protection
 25-year high for women’s religious vocations in England, Wales
 Southeastern Europe’s bishops discuss pastoral care of families
 Irish court: 30-year delay in bringing abuse suit is ‘inexcusable’

Released Wednesday, Apr. 22

 Boko Haram violence spreads into Cameroon, bishop reports
 Eight US Catholic colleges plan commencement honors for anti-Catholic figures
 Italian court: sex-change operation does not annul marriage
 Most Muslims reject religious violence, Pontifical Council says, advocating more dialogue
 Vatican worried by impasse in Israel-Palestine talks, envoy tells UN
 On Earth Day, Pope says 'see the world through the eyes of God the Creator'
 Turkey will commemorate Armenian deaths-- but not genocide
 Turkey must acknowledge Armenian genocide, says Maronite Patriarch
 Would-be French ambassador to Holy See meets with Pope; nomination remains stalled
 Confirmed: Pope will visit Cuba in September
 Pontifical academy calls for world anti-trafficking agency, campaign against prostitution
 Pope laments devaluation of ‘stable and generative covenant’ of marriage
 Church attack foiled in France, says interior minister
 Cardinal Baldisseri speaks about the Magisterium and the search for new languages
 Rabbi: Pope Francis concerned about Western sanctions against Russia
 Chile: priest to offer ‘Mass of hope’ in opposition to new bishop

Released Tuesday, Apr. 21

 Vatican, UNICEF launch worldwide peace-through-education program
 European Union must take 'drastic' action to save immigrants after tragedies at sea: Cardinal Marx
 Al Azhar University denounces 'heinous' killing of 28 Ethiopians
 Austrian missionary nun murdered in South Africa
 Pope sends message of solidarity to Ethiopian Orthodox leader after killing of 28 by Islamic State
 Nigerian bishop: Rosary will overcome Boko Haram threat
 Today's Church is a Church of martyrs, Pope says
 Vatican letter rues high youth unemployment
 Pope accepts resignation of Bishop Finn
 Vatican foreign minister: international community must do more to counter Islamic State
 Report: administration of Pontifical Oriental Institute dismissed
 LCWR leaders praise Pope, curial officials
 USCCB president pays tribute to Cardinal George
 Abuse scandal’s total cost: $2.9 billion since 2004

Released Monday, Apr. 20

 Jihadists hope to stir Muslim-Christian divisions in Kenya, Islamic leader warns
 Meeting European rabbis, Pope pays homage to deceased leader of Rome's Jewish community
 In annual message to world's Buddhists, Vatican suggests joint effort against slavery
 Solid faith will resist tribalism, ideology, lure of wealth, Pope tells bishops of Gabon
 Scottish priest sentenced by Church tribunal for book charging 'gay Mafia' influence
 Vice-president of US bishops' overseas charity is partner in same-sex marriage, group reports
 September 23 canonization set for Blessed Junipero Serra; Vatican rejects complaints of racism
 Syrian Christians hold out hope for kidnapped bishops, priest
 28 Ethiopians reportedly killed in new Islamic State massacre
 Pope appeals to international community as African immigrants flood Italy, perish at sea
 Pope calls upon faithful to proclaim Christ as ‘the living and only Savior’
 Be committed to a ‘revolution of tenderness,’ says Pope
 Pope to address charismatic Catholics in St. Peter’s Square
 Papal telegram following death of Cardinal George
 Combat human trafficking, Pope urges
 Christianity should not be restricted to private sphere, Pope tells Italy’s president

Released Friday, Apr. 17

 Immigrants clash on refugee ship; Muslims throw Christians overboard
 Pope will join US seminarians to honor Bl. Junipero Serra
 Vatican envoy demands UN keep 'eyes wide open' to persecution of Christians
 Cardinal Francis George dies after long battle with cancer
 South African bishops denounce attacks on immigrants
 12th-century French church partially destroyed
 Pope thanks Papal Foundation for support
 Victory for Pennsylvania dioceses against HHS mandate
 Vatican spokesman: papal trip to Cuba is a possibility

Released Thursday, Apr. 16

 Vatican envoy regrets UN emphasis on abortion, efforts to curb population growth
 Another surprise call from the Pope: journalist in Argentina stunned
 Armenian genocide memorials muted in Turkey
 Syrian archbishop urges clergy to stay in Aleppo despite risk of slaughter
 San Francisco: critics call for removal of Archbishop Cordileone; archdiocese fires back
 Pope-emeritus Benedict marks his 88th birthday
 Historic cathedral returned to Russian Orthodox Church
 Vatican confirms papal trip to South America in July
 USCCB, Catholic Charities officials back legislation on reform of prison sentencing
 Vatican completes doctrinal assessment of Leadership Conference of Women Religious
 Catholic share of world population increases; sisters and seminarians decline
 Pope renews condemnation of terrorist attack in Kenya

Released Wednesday, Apr. 15

 iPad donated by Pope Francis auctioned for $30,500
 Turkey's leaders lash out at Pope for recognizing Armenian genocide
 Pope meets family of Asia Bibi, Pakistani woman facing death sentence
 Vatican-reform planning likely to continue into 2016
 Another German cardinal raps push for Communion for divorced/remarried Catholics
 Cardinal Pell moves out of Vatican bank location, into new permanent office
 Man and woman are different and complementary, Pope emphasizes in audience
 Survey: Thailand, Armenia are the most religious nations
 Bishop: Turkish Christians ‘embarrassed’ by Pope’s remarks on Armenian genocide
 Cardinal Turkson speaks on women and conflict resolution
 Cardinal Tucci dies at 93
 Support International Religious Freedom Act, says USCCB committee chair

Released Tuesday, Apr. 14

 One year after kidnapping, over 200 Nigerian girls still missing
 Russian Orthodox Patriarch supports creation of Palestinian state
 Hindu extremist: India should sterilize Christians, Muslims
 France still waiting on Vatican response to ambassador's nomination
 Pope not worried about Islamic threats to himself, Archbishop Gänswein reports
 Papal trip to South America set for July?
 Full schedule released for Pope's June trip to Sarajevo
 Dangerous conditions at St. Patrick's cathedral force repairs, Cardinal Dolan says
 Armenian genocide was ideological, not religious, says Armenian prelate
 In Easter message, Moscow patriarch recalls victory over Germany
 Officials named for Vatican economic offices
 Christian neighborhood shelled in Aleppo; city may fall to Islamic State
 Pope’s Twitter following surpasses 20 million
 UN secretary general to speak at interfaith Vatican meeting on climate change
 In message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis reflects on exodus
 USCCB committee chair supports framework for dealing with Iran

Released Monday, Apr. 13

 Iraqi premier meets Chaldean Patriarch, urges Christians to stay
 English cardinal confirms that cathedral in Mosul has been desecrated by ISIS
 Archdiocese of Buenos Aires recognizes SSPX group
 Pakistani Christian teen dowsed with gasoline, burned by Islamic group
 Council of Cardinals continues discussions on Vatican reform
 New Jersey Catholic teacher who criticized gay-rights advocates is reinstated after suspension
 Lay members of papal commission on abuse meet to voice concerns on Chilean bishop's appointment
 Turkey recalls ambassador to Holy See, protests Pope's statement on Armenian genocide
 Thomas ‘was able to touch the Paschal Mystery,’ says Pope
 Pope laments Armenian genocide, proclaims 36th doctor of the Church
 Pope outlines plans for the extraordinary jubilee of mercy
 Transmit the beauty of consecrated life, Pope urges those involved in formation
 Pope decries economic inequity in the Americas

Released Friday, Apr. 10

 Catholics in Holy Land celebrate Easter this Sunday
 Scottish bishops tell voters: put life first
 Kenyan bishops ask government to raise security level after Garissa massacre
 Yet another priest murdered in Mexico
 Cardinal Sarah: Catholic Africa will resist any effort to change Church teaching
 Cardinal Kasper: Year of Mercy 'corresponds to the signs of the times'
 Year of Mercy will be formally announced on Saturday evening, April 11
 Among US voters, Catholic party affiliations match those of overall population
 At UN, Vatican envoy laments lack of progress toward nuclear disarmament
 Georgia's President Margvelashvili meets with Pope
 Vatican official offers Mass for Tunis terrorist victims
 Controversies at Catholic schools in Iowa, Nebraska over teachers and same-sex marriage
 Catholic aid worker killed in Syria
 Report: Vatican declines to approve French ambassador’s nomination over homosexuality
 Bishops call for participation in March for Marriage
 Obama administration calls for national ban on conversion therapy for minors

Released Thursday, Apr. 9

 Cleveland diocese sets morality standards for high-school teachers
 Pope speaks out on Armenian genocide
 Papal nuncio sees 'disgrace' in living conditions at refugee camp overrun by Islamic State
 Slovakian president meets with Pontiff
 Italian media sensationalize priests' scandals
 Vatican cardinal raps politician's 'absurd' campaign against Roma people
 English lay Catholics back priests' statement affirming Church teaching on marriage
 Holy See to take part in leading contemporary art show
 Ecumenical Patriarch issues statement on water
 US, Vatican officials discuss nuclear nonproliferation
 Cardinal Napier criticizes Cardinal Kasper
 Biden cites Pope Francis in White House prayer breakfast talk
 ACLU lawsuit targets Catholic aid to refugees, unaccompanied minors

Released Wednesday, Apr. 8

 US seeks to extradite former Salvadoran colonel to face charges for killings of 5 Jesuit priests
 Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, retired Archbishop of Montreal, dead at 78
 ‘Children are never a mistake,’ says Pope
 Moscow patriarch’s Easter greeting to Christian leaders
 5 injured in attack on church in Egypt
 Report predicts 9 million fewer Catholics in France in 30 years
 Vatican newspaper publishes article decrying radical French secularism
 60,000 Nigerians flee Boko Haram for Cameroon town
 Patriarchate denounces ‘rebellion’ of California’s Chaldean bishops
 Number of priestly ordinations in US to rise 25% this year

Released Tuesday, Apr. 7

 President Obama raps 'less than loving' Christians
 Immigrant from Bangladesh is key suspect in rape of nun in India
 English bishops release advice to voters on coming elections
 Does Cardinal Müller see new role for Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith?
 Kenyan prelate: heighten security, fight radicalization of youth in aftermath of Garissa massacre
 Israeli supreme court sides with Catholic monastery, Palestinian homeowners over route of security wall
 Opposition to French bill on presumed consent in organ donations
 Vatican foreign minister hopes interreligious dialogue can counter religious violence
 Philippine president invites cardinals to study peace deal with separatists
 Europe’s bishops call for greater respect for Roma people
 5 priests minister in Yemen as civil war rages
 Report: world’s Muslim population will nearly equal Christian population in 2050

Released Monday, Apr. 6

 Massachusetts bishops oppose death penalty for 'Marathon bomber'
 American Catholic, Baptist leaders join in call for civil debate on religious liberty
 Indian Christians bear witness by forgiving persecutors
 Head of Rome's Jewish community sends Easter greetings to Pontiff
 Pope challenges world leaders' silence on persecution of Christians
 Russian Muslim body denounces Islamic State
 Delhi churches under police protection
 Jerusalem patriarch: Easter homily
 Ukrainian Catholic leader issues Holy Thursday letter to priests
 Report: Islamic State blows up church
 President Obama issues statements for Passover, Easter
 State agency backs bakery that refused to decorate cakes with message critical of homosexuality
 Pope Francis: Easter Message Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World)

Released Saturday, Apr. 4

 Pope Francis: Easter Vigil homily (full text)

Released Friday, Apr. 3

 Papal statement mourns killings at Kenyan university
 Pope leads Stations of the Cross in Roman Coliseum
 Pope encourages peace talks in Colombia, plans visit there
 At Good Friday service, papal preacher notes world's indifference to suffering of persecuted Christians
 Vatican embassy in Washington plans to add security fence before papal visit

Released Thursday, Apr. 2

 Orthodox churches discuss upcoming synod agenda
 Easter message of Christian leaders in Jerusalem
 Turn to the Lord in your weariness, Pope exhorts priests at Chrism Mass
 Jerusalem patriarch: Holy Thursday homily
 Ecumenical Patriarch grants interview to Jesuit journal

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