By Gina Christian OSV News The Catholic bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean have expressed their pastoral closeness to the people of Venezuela, following the Jan. 3 U.S. military intervention that saw the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and the announcement of a temporary takeover of the country before […]
Greg Erlandson: Bishops’ voices must rise again
Commentary Recently, lots of bishops have been speaking out. Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin must be smiling, for 40 years after he argued that Catholic Social Teaching was a “seamless garment” that preached a “consistent ethic of life,” some of his brother bishops seem intent on reminding people that being pro-life is about more than just […]
U.S. church poised for change as bishop appointments stall
ANALYSIS By Michael R. Heinlein OSV News Change looms on the horizon for the American hierarchy. The anticipation is building as the appointment of Latin Church bishops in the United States has appeared to stall out over the last year or so. With Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki turning 75 on March 12, there are […]
Bishop, cardinal spar in media over Eucharist, ‘heresy’
By Gina Christian OSV News Two U.S. prelates have recently traded what one called some “strong words” in the media, debating the reception of holy Communion, sexual sin, pastoral outreach to marginalized Catholics and allegations of heresy among church leadership. At issue is the tension between offering pastoral welcome and inclusion without compromising church doctrine, […]
Pope: Bishops must act as shepherds, not with censures
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SLOVAKIA — The debate about denying Communion to politicians who support abortion must be handled in a pastoral way, not by public condemnations that seek to “excommunicate” Catholics who are not in line with church teaching, Pope Francis said. During his return flight […]
Use of COVID-19 vaccines morally acceptable, say bishops
By Julie Asher Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — While confusion has arisen in recent days in the media over “the moral permissibility” of using the COVID-19 vaccines just announced by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna, it is not “immoral to be vaccinated with them,” the chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine and pro-life committees said Nov. […]