Three reflections on the synod weekend
Is Mary the 'guardian of dialogue' or is the Holy Spirit confused with the spirit of the times? The vision of the Church that emerged at the Jubilee of the Synod Teams (24–26 October) is unclear, but it certainly leads to a dead end.
Don Bux: The Church cannot change the Doctrine
Those pastors who advocate changing the Church's teaching on homosexuality and other moral matters should be reminded that 'the Church does not have the authority to change, not even an iota or a sign', of Revelation, of which the Catechism is a faithful interpreter. The Daily Compass interviews Father Nicola Bux.
China, Hong Kong and the Vatican's unsustainable morality
Total silence on Cardinal Zen, Jimmy Lai, the persecution of Catholics in China, the death of Bishop Giulio Jia Zhonguo and the anniversary of the canonisation of the 120 Chinese martyrs. The
Holy See's relationship with China contradicts Catholic morality.
Italian bishops poisoned synod supports gay pride
The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) publishes the synthesis document on the synod path and continues its attempt to reconcile homosexuality and transsexuality with the Catholic faith.
On the ethics of life: Leo XIV contradicts Benedict XVI
An Italian magazine, Il Regno, has unearthed a speech from 2023 in which the then Cardinal Prevost conflated abortion, the death penalty and migration. He reiterated the same ideas as pope in an interview recently. While it is right to uphold 'a consistent ethics of life', abortion and euthanasia are always murder, whereas in other cases, each situation must be considered on its own merits. As Ratzinger recalled
Catholic Church's humiliation in Shanghai demands change in Vatican
With the announcement of Wu Jianlin's episcopal ordination, the Holy See has responded publicly its acceptance of him as auxiliary bishop. This is despite the fact that Beijing appointed him unilaterally during the sede vacante. This is a tricky situation that Pope Leo will have to act on quickly.
The ordination of a bishop in Shanghai is another slap in the face for the Vatican by China
The episcopal ordination of Wu Jinlian, who was appointed after the death of Pope Francis and never recognised by the Holy See, is set to take place on 15 October. This is a sign of the failure of the secret China-Vatican agreement, but Cardinal Parolin insists, 'Let us move forward with patience'.
Dilexi Te, Leo XIV publishes Francis's last document
The Apostolic Exhortation on love for the poor, bequeathed by his predecessor, has been presented. True to his style, Pope Pevost maintains the layout desired by Pope Bergoglio, adding only a few personal reflections. Controversy surrounds Monsignor Paglia's contribution.
The 'Popess' of Canterbury, the culmination of the Anglican shipwreck.
The appointment of Sarah Mullally as Primate of England is the crowning glory of a church disfigured by the forced introduction of changes that some would also like to see in the Catholic Church. However, the safe harbour is the apostolic tradition. Newman's warning applies to Catholics too.
On the run interviews obscure Pope's role
Pope Francis's impromptu meetings with journalists are becoming more frequent: a mechanism that feeds on direct questions and ambiguous or problematic answers. However, if the papacy debases itself in the marketplace of ideas, it is confusion rather than faith that is nourished.
Praying the Rosary as a family: a weapon for peace
While wars continue to threaten the world, the beginning of October reminds us of the importance of praying the Rosary for peace, as Our Lady requested at Fátima. The example of the saints and the call to parents: pray the Rosary as a family.
China attempts to tighten noose around Catholic Church in Hong Kong
The pro-Chinese wing of the Church (in Hong Kong and Rome) is pushing for the appointment of an auxiliary bishop in Hong Kong who will please Beijing. This is Peter Choy, who will meet the Pope on 4 October, alongside Bishop Emeritus Cardinal John Tong. Choy's appointment as bishop of Hong Kong was blocked five years ago, but the conditions are now more favourable to China.
