Catholic Culture News
Catholic Culture News

Stories for November 2015

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Monday, Nov. 30

 Rome installs video monitors for Jubilee pilgrims
 Biden meets with Vatican 'foreign minister'
 Egyptian Patriarch makes first visit to Jerusalem since 1980
 Missionary priest, shot in Bangladesh, recovering from wounds
 'Vatileaks II' trial postponed for a week; rift reported between key defendants
 No impediments remain to full communion, Pope tells Orthodox Patriarch
 Climate change puts humanity on 'verge of suicide,' Pope tells reporters
 Pope's prayer intentions for December 2015
 Pope concludes apostolic journey to Africa, urges faithful to evangelize
 Pope visits mosque, calls for rejection of religious violence
 Love your enemies, Pope preaches in strife-torn Central African Republic
 Ugandan martyrs are true heroes, Pope says during visit to nation
 Pope Francis, in Kenya, emphasizes missionary discipleship, ecological concern

Released Wednesday, Nov. 25

 Islamic State frees some hostages
 Pope confirms he will visit Ciudad Juarez, on US-Mexican border, in February
 Pope arrives in Kenya, beginning 6-day African visit
 Preacher to papal household addresses Anglican synod
 Flemish bishops apologize for forced adoptions
 Biden to meet with Vatican foreign minister
 African bishops welcome Pope, condemn terrorism
 Europe must return to religious roots to oppose terrorism, says Russian Orthodox official
 USCCB office: contact Congress, governors on behalf of Syrian refugees
 US bishops’ conference grants $3.3M to Church in Latin America
 French cardinal: ecology is a ‘question of life and death’

Released Tuesday, Nov. 24

 Consecrated hosts stolen for blasphemous exhibit in Spain
 New director-general named for Vatican bank
 Vatican court rejects plea to dismiss criminal charges on document leaks
 Australian theologian proposes a practical application of the 'Kasper proposal'
 Two million expected for papal Mass at Ugandan Martyrs' shrine
 Bishops of England and Wales seek change in Good Friday prayer for Jews in Extraordinary Form
 Bishop to lead US ordinariate of former Anglicans
 Religion can help build ‘modern globalized world,’ says Vatican cardinal
 New Testament papyrus fragment on eBay
 Cardinal Parolin pays tribute to Helsinki Accords
 Priests, religious discuss conditions in Syria’s largest city
 Kenya prepares to welcome Pope Francis

Released Monday, Nov. 23

 OSCE raps Vatican prosecution of 'Vatileaks' journalists
 Church of England ad featured Lord's Prayer barred from movie theaters in England
 Australian commission will allow lawyers for Cardinal Pell to question accusers
 Vatican defers to Italian officials in planning security for Jubilee Year
 Caribbean leader meets with Pope
 As visit nears, Pope sends video-messages to 3 African nations
 Pope ‘strongly condemns’ Mali terrorist attack
 26 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War beatified
 Pope Francis: Jesus reveals himself as King on the Cross
 5 indicted in Vatican leaks case
 Pope criticizes positivism in education

Released Friday, Nov. 20

 Syrian priest, held five months by Islamic rebels, reports God's grace sustained him during captivity
 Ukrainian president meets with Pope; Vatican calls for peaceful resolution of conflict
 Priests should cultivate serenity, live for others, Pope says
 Emphasize Confession, not structures, to counter ‘erosion’ of faith, Pope tells German bishops
 South African cardinal predicts ‘strong reaffirmation of the Church’s teaching’ from Pope
 Vatican message calls for improved working conditions in fishing industry
 Philippine bishops condemn beheading of hostage
 Priests banned, Pentecostals beaten in India’s Chhattisgarh state
 Leading Polish prelate affirms: no Communion for those who have remarried outside the Church
 US bishops set priorities for 2017-20

Released Thursday, Nov. 19

 Extremists' goal is to eradicate Christianity in Middle East, says cardinal
 Not even a Pope can change Church teaching on marriage: Cardinal Sarah
 Vatican Museums produce thorough tour on DVDs
 Vatican security heightened, but no change in plans for Pope's trip to Africa or Jubilee celebration
 Papal encouragement for media forum on sustainable development
 Health care should involve concern for others, not quest for physical perfection, Pope says
 Congo’s bishops warn against unconstitutional 3rd term for president
 Recalling WWII, Orthodox official says Russia, France must fight terrorism
 Catholic, Protestant leaders welcome ‘Fresh Start’ agreement in Northern Ireland
 Philippine prelate urges Pacific leaders to empower the poor
 Invest more in development to foster peace, Holy See diplomat urges UN
 Vatican cardinal characterizes Islamic State as satanic
 French bishop reacts to antiterrorism raid

Released Wednesday, Nov. 18

 Missionary priest shot, wounded in Bangladesh
 No decision yet on canonization of Mother Teresa, Vatican says, countering rumor
 Vatican workers prepare Holy Door for opening of Jubilee Year
 'The West has betrayed us,' says Syrian Catholic Patriarch
 Iraqi lawmakers retract decision to require 'Islamicization' of Christian children if parent converts
 Mexican priest found slain-- 11th priest-victim in rash of killings
 Drone flights over Rome banned during Jubilee Year as security precaution
 2nd 'Vatileaks' author meets with Vatican prosecutor but refuses to answer questions
 American bishops' statement aims to counter 'epidemic' of pornography
 US bishops approve new issue of voters' guide, 'Faithful Citizenship'
 US bishops' spokesman decries hostility toward Syrian refugees
 God always leaves doors open, Pope reminds audience

Released Tuesday, Nov. 17

 Vatican Christmas Tree will appear early this year
 Burglary at Seattle archdiocesan offices
 Pope will visit Rome's synagogue in January
 Hate crimes against Christians are underreported, Vatican representative tells OSCE
 'Vatileaks' journalist refuses to submit to questioning by Vatican prosecutors
 Islamic scholar calls for ideological campaign against extremists
 Avoid temptations to lead a double life, Pope tells congregation at morning Mass
 New nuncio in Iraq: Christian refugees have a right to return to their homeland
 ‘France cannot give in,’ EU bishops’ commission says in statement
 FBI: 64 anti-Catholic hate crimes in 2014
 Be vigilant in ensuring Catholic identity of schools, nuncio tells US bishops
 ‘It is nothing short of genocide,’ USCCB president says of persecution in the Middle East
 UN may send more troops to Central African Republic ahead of papal visit
 Papal praise for Jesuit Refugee Service

Released Monday, Nov. 16

 US bishops' leaders meet with President Obama
 Lebanese, Brazilian scholars awarded 2015 Ratzinger prizes
 Chinese 'underground' priest found dead; friends doubt government's explanation of suicide
 Cardinal Parolin: avoid revenge motive in response to terrorism
 Australian archbishop 'astonished and alarmed' by discrimination charge
 Heads of Roman Curia meet with Pontiff; topic of session not disclosed
 Pope tells Lutheran woman: decide for yourself whether to receive Communion in Catholic Church
 15-member council named for Synod of Bishops
 Papal tribute to Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano
 Slave who became priest beatified in Brazil
 Turn to Jesus, not to horoscopes, Pope says in Angelus address
 Cardinal Vingt-Trois, Vatican spokesman, US bishops react to attacks
 Pope Francis: ‘we cannot cease condemning’ the terrorist attacks in Paris

Released Friday, Nov. 13

 US Supreme Court will hear challenge to Texas abortion law
 Italian art exhibits raise questions about offending Christians, non-Christians
 Leading Islamic scholar in Egypt condemns attack on Coptic church
 No plans to curtail papal visit to Central African Republic, despite security worries
 Louisiana diocese will introduce 'mobile confessional'
 Australian bishops are target of anti-discrimination suit because of defense of marriage
 Pakistan: Christian activist wounded in 'intimidation' shooting
 Repentance unlocks power of God's mercy, Pope tells audience
 US envoy for gay, transgender issues meets with Vatican officials
 ‘Steer clear’ of triumphalism, Belgian cardinal tells African bishops
 Report: Cardinal Parolin to represent Vatican at UN climate-change conference
 Do not forget the poor, Vatican foreign minister emphasizes
 Maine’s attorney general files suit against pro-life protestor
 Archbishop Cupich: Congress is not acting in an ‘adult way’ on immigration
 Pope encourages Italian saint’s communities in their work

Released Thursday, Nov. 12

 Pope donates cross, gift from Raul Castro, to parish church in Lampedusa
 Vatican agencies defend themselves against 'Vatileaks' charges
 Accused priest at center of Chilean controversy insists he is innocent
 Irish court dismisses new suits in case of notorious priest-abuser Smyth
 Pope Francis: nourished by the Eucharist, we are called to bring the Gospel to others
 Laity are called to evangelize, Pope says in message
 Give ‘clear instructions about doctrine and morals,’ Pope tells Slovakia’s bishops
 Australia’s attorney general decries anti-Catholicism
 We live in a time of ‘painful purification,’ says CDF prefect
 Bishops’ commission rues EU bureaucracy, says migration must be ‘responsibly governed’
 Action urged on Green Climate Fund
 Proposed HHS regulation could require insurers to cover abortion, transgender surgery

Released Wednesday, Nov. 11

 No quick decision on canonization cause for Father Kapuan
 Religious leaders visit North Korea
 Vatican investigating two 'Vatileaks' journalists
 Former abbot of Montecassino under investigation for fraud
 More UN peacekeeping troops due in Central African Republic-- after papal visit
 Vatican applauds UNESCO program to push climate-change awareness in education
 Vatican's UN delegate repeats commitment to international status for Jerusalem
 Iraqi legislation requires children to become Muslims if either parent converts to Islam
 Pope receives leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina
 Pope speaks on togetherness in families
 Pope reflects on pilgrimages, announces awards in message to pontifical academies
 As Islamic State advances, Christians gather to defend town
 Venezuelan bishops call for international election observers
 Tribunal backs Anglican bishop in dispute with cleric who entered same-sex marriage
 Prelate calls for prayer as Supreme Court considers HHS mandate cases

Released Tuesday, Nov. 10

 Orthodox prelate praises Russia's 'peacemaker' role in Syria
 Vatican denies top cardinals are suspects in 'Vatileaks II' investigation
 Effective disciples must share people's joys and sorrows, Pope says in homily during outdoor Mass in Florence
 Newly appointed Archbishop of Brussels welcomes 'unbelievable' change in Church approach to marriage
 In major address to Italian Catholic convention, Pope explains his vision of 'Christian humanism'
 Kenyan bishop calls for national prayer, conversion ahead of papal visit
 Abuse commission member: ‘Pope needs to man up’ over Chilean bishop
 Pope to visit Auschwitz, Czestochowa?
 Pope begins apostolic journey to Tuscany, venerates Girdle of Thomas
 Maronite bishops decry proposed division of Syria
 37 kidnapped Christians released in Syria
 Hong Kong cardinal speaks out against sexual-orientation legislation
 Catholics attacked in Bangladesh

Released Monday, Nov. 9

 Papal stumble on St. Peter's steps caused no injury, Vatican reports
 Vatican envoy seeks UN action to protect civilians from abandoned weapons, unexploded ordnance
 Judge approves bankruptcy plan for Milwaukee archdiocese
 Bishop's role is service, Pope says in ordaining new Rome auxiliary
 Polish president meets with Pope
 Dominicans begin 800th anniversary celebration; Pope grants special indulgence
 Bishop publishes English translation of Synod’s final document
 Ecumenical Patriarch: ‘Creation care and ecological justice’
 Pope decries theft and leak of Vatican documents
 Pope Francis: the poor widow is our teacher
 Nobel Peace Prize winners meet with Pope
 Pope emphasizes importance of rest, work

Released Friday, Nov. 6

 Italian bishops' spokesman dares 'Vatileaks' authors to disclose their own finances
 Cardinal Bertone angrily denies new reports of corruption
 Grenada's leader meets with Pontiff
 Suspect in new Vatican leaks released early because of pregnancy?
 Annual Vatican message to Hindus highlights care for environment
 Chilean cardinal denies cover-up of sexual abuse by notorious priest
 German diocese concedes 'plausible' abuse complaint against deceased bishop
 Islamic State threatens key Syrian Christian center; thousands flee
 Italian pro-life workers receive praise from Pontiff
 In new interview, Pope speaks of need for integrity in fight against poverty
 Pope reportedly dismayed, but undeterred, by document leaks
 Pope names bishops to prominent sees in Spain, Belgium
 Leading French bishop speaks on synod, refugees, climate change
 Colombia’s bishops criticize legalization of adoption by same-sex couples
 Holy Land bishops urge continued pilgrimages, discuss synod, annulments
 Vatican newspaper: ‘plural unity’

Released Thursday, Nov. 5

 Common Core architect will keynote National Catholic Education Association meeting
 $8 million judgment against Duluth diocese in sex-abuse case
 Cardinal Pell strongly defends Secretariat for Economy, notes spending was under budget
 Cardinal welcomes free elections in Myanmar as 'pilgrimage of hope'
 Vatican real-estate holdings reported at near €1 billion
 Italian prosecutors wrapping up investigation of former Vatican bank officials
 Pope decries persecution of Christians
 Vatican official: Pope’s changes to annulment procedures are in accord with tradition
 Survey: US becomes less religious nation
 Pope ranked 4th on Forbes ‘most powerful people’ list
 Russian patriarch: don’t forget positive achievements of Lenin, Stalin eras
 Philippine bishops’ conference warns against ivory statues

Released Wednesday, Nov. 4

 Vatican replaces board of hospital foundation following charges of improper spending
 Vatican confirms probe of possible money-laundering by Italian financier
 Leaked stories of financial mismanagement are outdated, misinterpreted: Vatican spokesman
 Papal condolences following fire in Bucharest
 Pope speaks on importance of forgiveness within families
 Medieval doors, mosaics restored at Church of the Nativity
 Orthodox, Anglican leaders pray for refugees, environment
 Russian patriarch laments Halloween parties during national mourning
 Iraqi lawmakers reject bill that would permit reconversion of Christian children
 Cardinal Turkson calls for political action to influence Paris climate conference
 New Catholic-Lutheran document emphasizes areas of agreement

Released Tuesday, Nov. 3

 Papal condolences after Bucharest nightclub tragedy
 A bishop's life is service, Pope says at Mass for deceased prelates
 New books show Vatican corruption, resistance to financial reforms
 Burma’s cardinal fears nation becoming less open to Christians, Muslims
 Pope prays for repose of souls of predecessors
 Argentine bishop announces resignation amid corruption accusations
 Total cost of abuse scandal nears $4B: report
 Bishops of Northern Ireland issue statement on same-sex marriage
 US bishops to vote on statement on pornography

Released Monday, Nov. 2

 Pope to visit Mexico in February
 Vatican again says Pope was misquoted by Italian journalist
 Vatican makes two arrests for document leaks
 Pope Francis: Beatitudes are the way to holiness and happiness
 Italian foundress beatified
 Papal appeal for Central African Republic
 Pope pays tribute to the saints ‘next door’
 Papal condolences to Putin following plane crash
 Live out the Gospel in the workplace, Pope tells business leaders
 Macedonian president meets with Pope

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