Catholic News

• Pope welcomes revised European Ecumenical Charter (Dicastery for Communication )
  Pope Leo XIV welcomed the revised Charta Oecumenica (Ecumenical Charter), signed on November 5 by the presidents of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC). Addressing members of a joint committee of the two organizations, as well as other European Christian leaders, Pope Leo said yesterday that “one of the notable achievements of the process of revising the Charta has been the ability to take a shared view on contemporary challenges and draw up priorities for the future of the continent, while maintaining a firm belief in the unending relevance of the Gospel. In some ways, this can be described as a ‘synodal’ effort of walking together.” The CCEE represents European Catholic bishops’ conferences; the CEC is a fellowship of over 100 Orthodox and Protestant communities. The original Charta Oecumenica was signed in 2001.
• Philippine cardinal calls for truth commission on drug-war killings (CBCP News)
  The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines called upon the nation’s president to form a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission that would investigate extrajudicial killings in the Philippine drug war. “Truth-telling is not an act of reopening wounds—it is the only path by which wounds can finally heal,” said Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan. “It would reaffirm a principle that lies at the heart of our democracy and our shared faith traditions: that every human life has dignity and worth.”
• 'Only pacified hearts can dare to make peace,' Jerusalem cardinal preaches (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem)
  In a homily preached in Rome, in the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem preached on the conditions necessary for peace. “Only pacified hearts can pacify; only pacified hearts can dare to make peace,” said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM. Peace begins in recognizing “the truth and dignity of every human being. It is knowing how to see the face of God in others. When the face of the other disappears, the face of God also vanishes—and with it, the possibility of authentic peace.” Cardinal Pizzaballa preached the homily on October 26; the Latin Patriarchate released significant excerpts yesterday.
• Chaldean patriarch: Vatican officials do not understand Eastern churches (The Tablet)
  Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako has complained that Vatican officials do not have a proper understanding of the Eastern Catholic churches. In conversation with The Tablet, the Iraqi prelate said that staff members of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches “should know that they are there to serve the churches.” He said that Vatican officials do not show proper respect for the status of the Eastern Catholic patriarchs, who “precede all bishops” in hierarchical rank. Cardinal Sako said that Vatican officials lack “practical exprience” with the Eastern churches, so that: “When they speak, they speak in occidental speech.”
• Pope, Palestinian President Abbas confer on Gaza (Vatican News)
  Pope Leo XIV met on November 6 with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for talks that centered on the “urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.” The meeting was the first face-to-face encounter between the Pope and Abbas. The Palestinian leader was in Rome for observances of the 10th anniversary of the “comprehensive agreement” with which the Holy See recognized the Palestinian state. Before his meeting with the Pontiff, Abbas visited the tomb of Pope Francis. He explained: “I came to see Pope Francis because I cannot forget what he did for Palestine and for the Palestinian people, and I cannot forget that he recognized Palestine without anyone having to ask him to do so.”
• Pope speaks on US immigration crisis, Rupnik trial, Gaza truce (CNA)
  Pope Leo XIV offered comments on the treatment of illegal immigrants by the Trump administration, the pending trial of Father Marko Rupnik, and the “fragile” truce in Gaza, during an exchange with reporters at Castel Gandolfo on November 4. The Pope urged US authorities to “allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs” of detained immigrants. Stressing that a society is judged by its treatment of those in need, the Pontiff called for “deep reflection” on how immigrants are being treated. Questioned about the display of Father Rupnik’s art in many churches, the Pope remarked that some sites have removed or covered over the art. “That issue is certainly something that we’re aware of,” he said. The Pontiff went on to remind reporters that Vatican trial of Father Rupnik—who is charged with spiritual and sexual abuse—will soon take place. He said: I know it is very hard for victims to be asked for patience, but the Church must respect the rights of all individuals. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty applies in the Church as well. We hope this process will bring clarity and justice for everyone involved. Regarding the situation in Gaza, the Pope said that a “very fragile” truce is holding, but movement is needed toward a more stable and lasting accord. He went on to question Israel’s policy regarding settlements on the West Bank, saying: “Israel said one thing, but sometimes it does another.” Pope Leo also suggested that the US should “seek dialogue” with Venezuela rather than using military action to stop drug trafficking. He argued that “violence never brings victory.”
• 'Shun mediocrity,' Pope tells seminarians (Dicastery for Communication)
  In a letter marking the 400th anniversary of the major seminary in Trujillo, Peru, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the formation of seminarians and urged them to “shun mediocrity.” “Your first task remains the same: to be with the Lord, to let Him form you, to know and love Him, so that you may become like Him,” Pope Leo wrote. “Before anything else, it is necessary to allow the Lord to clarify one’s motivations and purify one’s intentions.” The Pope spoke of the importance of the spiritual life, of study that is “always in full communion with the Magisterium,” and of the self-giving of celibacy, obedience, and poverty. “In these, the priest is recognized as a true father, capable of guiding His spiritual children towards Christ with firmness and love. There is no such thing as half-hearted fatherhood, nor half-hearted priesthood.”
• Vatican cautions against Marian title: 'Co-Redemptrix' (CWN)
  In a document released on November 4, the Vatican discourages referring to the Virgin Mary as “Co-Redemptrix,” explaining that the title can convey an inaccurate understanding of Mary’s role in the work of salvation.
• DDF had no doubts that Newman should be declared doctor of the Church, official says (L'Osservatore Romano (Italian))
  In remarks delivered at Pontifical Urban University, the secretary of the doctrinal section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith reflected on the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s proclamation of St. John Henry Newman as the 38th doctor of the Church. Newman “was not only faithful to the Church’s magisterium but also developed a theological knowledge so enlightened and illuminating that it could inspire theological research of the present and future,” said Msgr. Armando Matteo. “I would like to point out here that, when the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith received the request to verify the presence of eminent doctrine in Newman’s extensive body of work, none of us had any doubts. And the process for this request was initiated and concluded rather quickly.”
• Hartford archdiocese makes $500,000 available to food banks (WFSB)
  The Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, has released $500,000 in emergency funding to local food banks, explaining that the donation is intended to cover shortages caused by the shutdown of federal government programs. Archbishop Christopher Coyne said that the funds, taken from donations to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, would supplement existing Catholic charitable programs, aiming “to ensure that those who rely on SNAP benefits for nourishment can still put food on the table for themselves and their families.”
• New leader confirmed for Eastern-rite Romanian Catholic Church (Vatican Press Office)
  Pope Leo has confirmed the election of Bishop Claudiu-Lucian Pop of Cluj-Gheria to become Major Archbishop of Fagaras si Alba Julia and thus leader of the Eastern-rite Romanian Catholic Church. The Synod of the Romanian Catholic Church had met in Rome to elect a new leader, following the death in September of Cardinal Lucian Muresan at the age of 94. Cardinal Muresan had been named Archbishop of Fagaras si Alba Julia in 1994; he became a Major Archbishop in 2005 when the archdiocese was elevated to that status.
• Pope, in video, prays for those struggling with suicidal thoughts (The Pope Video)
  In a video associated with the monthly papal prayer intention, Pope Leo XIV prayed for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. “May they always find a community that welcomes them, listens to them, and accompanies them,” he prayed. “Give all of us an attentive and compassionate heart, capable of offering comfort and support, also with the necessary professional help.”
• European bishops sign revised Ecumenical Charter (CCEE)
  The presidents of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) signed a revised Charta Oecumenica (Ecumenical Charter) in Rome yesterday. “This Charta equips us to respond together to the wounds of war, displacement, and the ethical challenges of new technologies,” said Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, Lithuania, the president of the CCEE. “We are stronger when we stand together.” The CCEE represents European Catholic bishops’ conferences; the CEC is a fellowship of over 100 Orthodox and Protestant communities. The original Charta Oecumenica was signed in 2001.
• USCCB, CRS urge world leaders to address climate change (USCCB)
  The chairman of two committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined by the president of Catholic Relief Services, called on world leaders to act urgently to address climate change at COP30, the upcoming UN climate conference in Brazil. “Climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation are devastating communities already burdened by poverty and exclusion,” said Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, and Sean Callahan. “We call on world leaders to act urgently and courageously for an ambitious Paris Agreement implementation that protects God’s creation and people.”
• Papal message marks Norcia basilica's reopening (Vatican News (Italian))
  Vatican News, the news agency of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, has published excerpts of a papal message for the reopening of the earthquake-ravaged Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy. In the message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, Pope Leo described the reopening as “a sign of religious rebirth.” The basilica’s reconstruction, added the message, was “deeply felt and long awaited by many people, not only in Umbria but also in Italy and other countries.”
• Unmarried couples outnumber married couples in Brazil (Crux)
  The number of unmarried couples living together in Brazil has surpassed the number of married couples for the first time, official statistics show. The 2022 census found that 38.9% of couples were unmarried, while 37.9% had married in a religious ceremony. In 1970, 64.5% of Brazilian couples were married, and as recently as 2000 that figure was 49.4%.
• Religious freedom an important component of development, Vatican official says (Holy See Mission)
  Hailing UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as a “beacon of hope” during a recent meeting of the organization, a Vatican official offered some reflections on human development. “Development cannot be reduced to mere figures and indicators,” said Msgr. Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations. “Above all, it is about people, especially those living in poverty and in dire need.” “Another important condition for integral human development is religious freedom,” he added. “Although religious extremism can sometimes hinder the exercise of the right to religious freedom, intentionally spreading religious indifference or practical atheism by countries also creates obstacles to true human development.”
• Texas voters approve parental rights amendment (Religion Clause)
  By a 70%-30% margin, Texas voters have enshrined a parental rights amendment in the state’s constitution: To enshrine truths that are deeply rooted in this nation’s history and traditions, the people of Texas hereby affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent’s child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supported the amendment.
• Former Kansas City diocese employee faces fraud charges (Kansas City )
  Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a former employee of the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri. The prosecutors allege that Jeremey Lillig used a church credit card to make personal purchases amounting to more than $150,000, “under the pretense that it was for legitimate purposes.”
• Jury awards $4.8M to Minnesota abuse victim (KROC)
  A jury has awarded $4.8M to a victim of historic sexual abuse in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, five years after the diocese emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. The victim stated he was abused by the now-laicized Joseph Cashman in the 1970s. The victim first reported the abuse in 1991. As part of the 2021 bankruptcy settlement, the diocese paid $22 million to abuse victims. The plaintiff who was awarded $4.8 million filed his lawsuit in 2023.
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