The Vatican declares war on Cardinal Zen
The Daily Compass has received an explosive letter signed by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, that fiercely attacks Cardinal Joseph Zen, the Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, who has been critical of the secret agreement between China and the Holy See that has resulted in the increased persecution of Catholics. The letter contains misleading statements, affirming that there is a continuity between the approach of this pontificate with that of previous pontificates, when in fact no such continuity exists. Furthermore, it makes very grave misrepresentations, attributing the authorship of the present secret agreement to Benedict XVI and declaring a change in doctrine regarding the possibility of independent Churches.
- THE LETTER
Coronavirus statistics, food for thought
The Coronavirus cases in Europe have moved the focus away from China, but the news coming from there is interesting: outside Hubei province, the Covid-19 epidemic is in a downward phase. The study by a scientific journal confirms the mortality rate (about 2% of those infected), which increases with age and the presence of chronic diseases, and is more lethal for males (2.8% vs 1.7% of females) and smokers.
Africa spared by COVID-19, but floored by locusts
So far only one recorded case of Chinese flu in the Black Continent. But the locust invasions in many countries are cause for serious concern. The locusts are destroying the crops and the people are responding by eating the locusts. But it's a mistake because they're contaminated with pesticides.
Exercise prudence, not panic
Semi-deserted streets, cafes closed, supermarkets taken by storm, canceled public and private meetings: there is now the Coronavirus panic. But the reality of the facts does not justify this hysteria. The epidemic is very limited and there is currently no prediction of an uncontrollable spread. Being cautious and avoiding unnecessary risks is an obligation, but widespread panic is also a sign of widespread personal fragility.
France, ambiguous start of the dialogue between State and Islam
President Macron wants a “French Islam". His appeal was followed by concrete actions and last year the AMIF, the new Association for Islam in France, was created. But who controls this association? According to a parliamentary question, the AMIF is dangerously close to the Muslim Brotherhood, even if its promoters deny this.
Carlo Acutis will be beatified: The Church of child Saints is here
Last Friday, Pope Francis authorised the decree approving the miracle which took place through the intercession of Carlo Acutis. Here is the story of the miracle in detail. This young man who was in love with Jesus in the Eucharist will be beatified, bringing joy to his parents, young people who are devoted to him, and to the entire Church. Just as John Paul II prophesied: the little ones will be the new saints and prophets of a Church full of faith and hope.
The 21 martyrs killed by ISIS, true followers of Christ...
Five years have passed since 21 young Christian men were brutally slaughtered on a Libyan beach by Islamic State members. Twenty were Coptic Christians, Egyptians working in Libya, the 21st came from Ghana. Before the execution, they raised their prayer: Ya Rabbi Yassou, “O Lord Jesus”. The Coptic Orthodox Church declared them martyrs, and a book has reconstructed their life. A life based on a truly lived Gospel, with no compromise with the world.
Reality show suicides and the sham of life on social media
There are now four suicides connected to the British reality show “Love Island”: its former host, Caroline Flack, was found dead, and before her two other contestants and a boyfriend had also killed themselves. Used to being in front of the cameras 24 hours a day, when they leave they repeat it on social media. The same thing happens in Italy, and is spreading as if happiness depended on the love you receive from the world, but results in despair.
Even Northern Europe is childless. Policies are not enough
Iceland, Norway, and Finland have record low fertility rates, half of what they were 50 years ago, and couples are having children much later in life. These are the most disturbing statistics in a report on social, economic, and demographic conditions in Northern Europe. What is interesting is that these are the countries with the strongest pro-birth policies. It is yet another proof that economic and social policies do not provide the true answer to the problem of the declining birthrate.
Is it Magisterium or not? The tangled language of the Synod
What relationship is there between the exhortation "Querida Amazonia" and the Final Document of the Synod Fathers? It has been said that the exhortation is part of the Magisterium while the Final Document is not. But the first calls for the application of the second, thus it seems to make it binding. The believer cannot believe in something if he does not know in what this “something” consists. Yet this new concept of faith disturbs many because it places everything in a state of fluid uncertainty.
The real problem with the coronavirus is the Chinese regime
Xi Jinping has made a Maoist-style announcement of a “war of the people” against the coronavirus, in order to impress international public opinion. The Chinese authorities are now declaring that the contagion can be spread through paper money: the material of science fiction novels. The door has been opened for the communist party to use brutal means of repression against the people, along with other devices. Does the West really have no objection?
Civitavecchia, “Our Lady really appeared”
What really happened in Civitavecchia? Was the Mariophany of the statuette that wept blood approved by the Church or not? Why should we believe that the Virgin Mary appeared on the outskirts of Rome? Father Flavio Ubodi, a Capuchin theologian among the greatest experts in this matter, one by one answers every question about one of the most debated supernatural phenomena ever. And he reveals some significant background information, such as the special relationship Saint John Paul II had with Civitavecchia...
