From the Lefebvrians: a profession of faith that is both comprehensive and inconsistent
In the letter sent on 24 June to the cardinals and the Pope, the Fraternity emphasises orthodoxy, but only to a certain extent. The crux of the matter is its claim to proclaim Catholic doctrine whilst remaining outside Catholic unity; to recognise the Pope whilst at the same time consecrating bishops against his will; and to declare itself faithful to the Church whilst rejecting its sacraments.
Senators, Too, Are Tying Trump's Hands on Iran
A heated clash erupted in the U.S. Senate, where four senators defected to the opposition to vote on a resolution regarding the president’s war powers. This sends a strong message to Trump and his handling of the conflict in Iran.
New consistory: the topics change, but the synod tables remain the same
Four sessions over two days, culminating in the Mass of Saints Peter and Paul, feature on the agenda of the Sacred College, which will meet from 26 to 29 June. Alongside the mission and the ‘novelty’ of Magnifica humanitas, synodality continues to dominate the organisation of working groups, with the risk that dissenting voices may be silenced.
Eat, pray and score, but only if you’re Muslim, not Christian
German player Nmecha prays after scoring a goal and is inundated with criticism: ‘Obsessed with Christ, a bleak view of humanity’; for the talented Spaniard Yamal, on the other hand, raising his arms to the sky in praise of Allah was a gesture befitting a ‘true Muslim’. Meanwhile, submission to Islam brings us a halal-compliant stadium.
The conflict in the Middle East has reignited the debate among Catholics over the “just war,” and—especially in Europe—a radical pacifism prevails within the Church, one that effectively denies the existence of original sin and exposes the weakest to the designs of whatever aggressors happen to be in power.
As President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), the Pope’s Vicar for the Diocese of Rome, and President of the Italian Church’s Cultural Project, Cardinal Camillo Ruini faithfully supported the pontificate of John Paul II, concluding it with the ‘religious choice’ and urging the Italian Church to play a more active role in society.
Bill Gates' testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives offers a new perspective on the Epstein case. The financier, who died in prison in 2019, had set up a blackmail scheme and even had the world's most influential man in his grip.
Magnifica humanitas: the thousand interpretations and a language barrier
The conflicting assessments of Leo XIV’s encyclical can also be explained by the ‘Babel’ of ecclesiastical documents: too lengthy, too technical and therefore at risk of being contradicted and with meanings that are not always unambiguous. The issue is not new, but it accelerated under the pontificate of Francis.
Copts resume dialogue with Rome after gay blessings cancelled
Tawadros II has announced the resumption of theological talks following reassurances from Pope Leo XIV. This brings an end to the crisis triggered by Fiducia Supplicans, which was unwelcome to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It proves once again that conforming to the world seriously undermines ecumenical dialogue
Ultra-Orthodox break with Netanyahu over military service
The government's inability to continue guaranteeing exemption from military service for young Haredim has led to the ultra-Orthodox leaving the coalition. The upcoming elections are now expected to be a showdown against the prime minister, who is already facing criticism over the war and scandals
Lefebvre's method: flaunt the faith to conceal the schism
In response to the threat of sanctions raised by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Fraternity presents its own self-certification of obedience and Catholicity. This is an edifying refrain that has been repeated since Lefebvre's time and glosses over the de facto distancing from the Church, even rejecting its sacraments.
– Dossier: The FSSPX Case