Monaco: a positive example of Catholicism as state religion
During his apostolic journey to the Principality of Monaco, Pope Leo XIV praised Catholicism as the state religion. This is a rare occurrence and a blow to the modern dogma of state secularism. Provided that Catholicism is genuinely practised as a public religion.
Holy Thorn of San Giovanni Bianco, 10 years on from the last miracle
Today marks the end of the celebrations in honour of the relic of the Passion of Jesus kept in the town in the province of Bergamo. The last miraculous flowering took place on 27 March 2016, attested to by a commission and recognised by the bishop. This is the story.
With letter to French Bishops Leo XIV makes move towards liturgical peace
To the French bishops gathered in plenary assembly, Pope Leo suggested 'concrete solutions that allow for the generous inclusion of those who sincerely adhere to the Vetus Ordo'. Is this the beginning of a period of liturgical peace following the restrictions imposed by Traditionis Custodes?
Francis's 'laypeople in power' wrongly used by Lefebvrians
Following Cardinal Ouellet's article on lay appointments during the Bergoglian pontificate, the Fraternity has seized the opportunity to justify the episcopal ordinations of 1 July, based on the separation between order and jurisdiction, and to criticise Vatican II's ecclesiology. The occasion is twofold, but so too is the blunder.
- Dossier: The FSSPX Case
Leone marks 10 years of Amoris Laetitia, but the Dubia remain unanswered
The Pope has issued a laudatory message for the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ most controversial document, describing it as 'luminous' and brushing aside the critical points in a few words. Yet that text triggered an earthquake. It would have been better to say nothing.
Pro-abortionist Philip VI to be granted privilege of Protocanon causes scandal
The King of Spain is to assume the title of Protocanon of the Chapter of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. An ancient privilege which, however, gives rise to scandal today and should therefore not be granted. This is because Philip VI (like Macron) is pro-abortion.
Shocking turn of events: Becciu’s trial must start all over again
The legal proceedings that ‘cost 'the Sardinian cardinal his place in the conclave are starting from scratch. The Vatican Court of Appeal has ruled that the initial verdict is ‘relatively null and void 'due to a failure to observe procedural safeguards. The defence is satisfied, while the prosecutor’s office, and in particular Alessandro Diddi, are embarrassed by the outcome.
A morning in St Peter's between distracted visitors and absent sacredness
What does St Peter's Basilica look like to visitors? We spent a morning in the most important Catholic church in the world. Since 1 March, a route has been reserved for worshippers, but everything, even Mass, is overshadowed by the confused chatter of visitors who have no concept of silence or the sacred. They stroll around as if it were any other tourist attraction. This is what we saw.
- Photogallery
For Lefebvrians, every Mass except their own is dubious
'Sacramental distancing' is now the doctrine of St Pius X, which considers the new rites to be invalid or, at the very least, dubious. It also rejects the ancient rite celebrated by others. The Fraternity asks its followers not to accept the sacraments from outsiders, not even the Pope.
- 1. The stages of an agreement that was always rejected
- 2. 'When even Fellay feared schism'
- Dossier: The FSSPX Case
When Fellay looked to Rome and feared schism
For St Pius X, no agreement with the Apostolic See was or is possible. This schismatic attitude was denounced in 2012 by the then Superior General, but it has now become firmly established, even at the highest levels of the Lefebvrian world. The watchword is to continue the inconclusive talks.
- 1. The stages of an agreement that was always rejected
- Dossier: The FSSPX Case
Rome and St Pius X: the stages of an agreement that was always rejected
Almost-reached agreements and sudden U-turns characterised the thirty-year rift between the Fraternity founded by Archbishop Lefebvre and the Holy See. This is a story that needs to be retraced in order to better understand the 'Lefebvrian phenomenon' and the problematic nature of its positions.
- Dossier: The SSPX Case
The bones of Saint Francis proclaim that God has redeemed the flesh
There is a common thread linking the disputes surrounding the body of the ‘Poverello’ with the veneration of his mortal remains in Assisi today. Christianity is not spiritualism; the Word can also be seen and touched in the material traces left by a holy life.