SSPX head says Vatican sent mixed messages during reconciliation talks
The head of the Society of St. Pius X said he has been receiving mixed messages from the Vatican over how the group might be brought back into full communion with the church.
Vatican
Vatican official thanks mothers of priests, asks for their prayers
The mothers of priests and seminarians deserve the thanks of the whole church for raising their sons in the faith and supporting them in their vocations, said Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy.
Writing on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, on Tuesday, the cardinal said having a priest-son requires a new form of motherhood, one that involves a "discreet, but very effective and invaluably precious accompaniment in prayer."
Piacenza's letter was posted, in Italian, on the website of the clergy congregation.
Agenda for a year of faith: looking ahead at Pope Benedict's 2013
Pope Benedict XVI's calendar for 2013 is already filling up. Here are 10 things to watch for in the new year.
Pope visits butler in jail, personally delivers pardon
Pope Benedict XVI visited with his former butler, Paolo Gabriele, Dec. 22 and told him he was forgiven and was being pardoned.
Vatican works to stop Sunday shopping in Italy
The Roman Catholic Church, trade unions and small business associations have joined forces in a bid to save Sundays.
In a bid to spur economic growth, outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti backed a new law that allows shops to stay open on the Sabbath.
But Sunday traditions are strong in the European nation, and the change provoked strong resistance from religious and secular groups.
Cardinal says new Vatican budget rules improve stewardship of gifts
The Vatican's new internal financial oversight procedures recognize that human beings can make mistakes, but that the Catholic church as a whole has an obligation to handle the money it receives with honesty and great care, said the head of the Vatican budget office.
Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, head of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, told reporters Thursday that the new regulations for his office and its oversight of the budgets of all Vatican offices were designed to ensure "the correct and transparent use of the temporal goods of the church."
European austerity measures reach the Vatican budget
The Vatican must adopt "effective" cost reduction measures in the wake of the global economic crisis, Pope Benedict XVI's No. 2 official warned Tuesday.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's Secretary of State, told employees of the Holy See's budget department that, in the face of "continuing inability to increase revenues," a "gradual, but effective, reduction of costs" was needed to reduce recent budget deficits.
Pope demands stronger Catholic identity for charities
New Vatican rules will not compel Catholic charities around the world to renounce government money, officials in the Vatican say.
Pope expresses grief over Newtown shooting, calls for acts of peace
After 20 children and six adults were shot dead in Connecticut, Pope Benedict XVI offered his condolences, urging all to dedicate themselves to peace in the face of such "senseless violence."
Pope Benedict XVI promotes personal secretary to head of household
Pope Benedict XVI on Friday promoted his personal secretary to head of the papal household, giving Msgr. Georg Gaenswein even larger influence in organizing the aging pontiff's schedule and meetings.
Gaenswein has been Benedict's closest aide since his election in 2005, and also served as secretary when then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger headed the Vatican's doctrinal office.
The German-born Gaenswein was appointed prefect of the papal household, replacing American Archbishop James Harvey, who was recently made a cardinal.
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In This Issue
May 24-June 6, 2013
- The paradox of Pope Francis
- Editorial: Questions linger after dynamic sisters' meeting
- [Coming Soon] Name your treasure and pass it on
- [Print Edition Only] Special Section: Family Life
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