Clericalism: The culture that enables abuse and insists on hiding it
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis blamed “clericalism” in the Catholic Church for creating a culture where criminal abuse was widespread and extraordinary efforts were made to keep the crimes hidden. Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has targeted clericalism as an illness in …
Pope: God’s name is revealed through authentic faith, not hypocrisy
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The power of God’s name is manifested in the lives of people who live their faith in an authentic way, while it is taken in vain by those who live in hypocrisy, Pope Francis said. By adhering to the …
Today’s Video: Scott Hahn on the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today begins a 9-day Novena to the Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth Novena to the Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth I greet you, ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, refuge of sinners, and Queen of the Universe. Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty, sweetness, and tender …
Archbishops call for ‘penance, purification’ to rebuild, renew church
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said penance and purification is needed to rebuild the U.S. Catholic Church and respond to the abuse crisis. He stressed the importance of strong procedures and protocols for addressing abuse claims, helping the victims and creating safe environments for all children and …
Victims call for federal investigation of sex abuse in Catholic Church
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Some victims of clergy sex abuse and their supporters are calling on federal and state entities to investigate sex abuse within the Catholic Church and root out abusers and anyone who has protected them. Members of the Survivors Network of …
CUA head sees laity as key to renewal in scandal-marred church
IMAGE: CNS Photo/ courtesy of The Catholic University of America By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an Aug. 18 letter to students and staff at The Catholic University of America, its president, John Garvey, said the laity must have a role in rebuilding the church in the wake of a new …
Pennsylvania university revokes degrees given to past Scranton bishops
By SCRANTON, Pa. (CNS) — The Jesuit-run University of Scranton announced Aug. 20 it was rescinding honorary degrees given to three former bishops of the Diocese of Scranton, and removing their names from buildings. Jesuit Father Scott Pilarz, the university president, said the school is doing so because “these bishops …
Boston cardinal apologizes for process that kept letter from reaching him
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By BOSTON (CNS) — Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley said Aug. 20 that he takes full responsibility for office procedures that resulted in him never being notified about a June 2015 letter sent to his attention regarding “sexual abuse/harassment/intimidation” allegations concerning Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick. It was …
Two priests ruled unsuitable for ministry in Philadelphia Archdiocese
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Philadelphia By Matthew Gambino PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Two priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have been found unsuitable for ministry, the archdiocese announced Aug. 19 following Masses at the parishes where Father Andrew D. McCormick and Msgr. Gregory J. Parlante most recently served. The ministry …
Archbishop Sample ‘shaken to core,’ calls for lay-run abuse investigation
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Ed Langlois PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample issued a letter Aug. 20 to western Oregon Catholics in which he expresses shock, anger and discouragement over revelations of clergy sex abuse in other parts of the country. “I have been shaken to the …