The following are some recent news highlights...
* According to an AP report, the number of abuse cases involving the Catholic Church in the U.S. is "tapering off", with 2009 seeing the "lowest numbers since data started being collected in 2004". They report that the total cost "for settlements and other costs has risen to more than $2.7 billion, according to estimates" and also indicate that "about one-eighth of the allegations made in 2009 were unsubstantiated or determined to be false by the end of the year"
* A seasoned Vatican journalist has indicated that a new diocese may be formed which includes Medjugorje, the site of alleged Marian apparitions. Reportedly, the decision was "nearly made" in September 2009 but was "put off in part by opposition" from the local bishop - a prelate who has been "vocal in his skepticism" regarding the alleged apparitions. The Vatican recently announced the formation of an international investigative commission concerning the alleged Medjugorje 'phenomena' [Related: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?]
* A rabbi giving a lecture Paris' Notre Dame cathedral was recently "interrupted" by praying members of the SSPX who were upset that the rabbi's lecture was being given there. The traditionalists "loudly" prayed the rosary as "amends for the outrage" of having the rabbi speak at the famous cathedral
* New allegations of abuse are surfacing in Germany which reportedly involve four priests and two nuns in Pope Benedict's native diocese. The allegations primarily date from the 1970's
* A German bishop has come under fire for his sermon which compared the media coverage concerning abuse scandals in the Church to a Nazi propaganda campaign. In his sermon, he claimed that "we are again witnessing a campaign against the church" whose aim "is to undermine the church's credibility." The diocese has claimed that coverage of the sermon was "distorted"
* Pope Benedict is scheduled to preside at Mass on Monday, March 29 to mark the 5th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, which occurred on April 2, 2005
* The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano has come to the defense of Pope Benedict against attacks from the modernist Fr. Hans Küng. The controversial liberal theologian had penned an offensive article which criticized priestly celibacy and claimed that the Holy Father is "the man who has been for decades the main person responsible for the hiding of these abuses on a worldwide level." The Vatican newspaper's rebuttal indicated that "the facts didn't take place as Küng and certain press have recounted them." [Related: Why Priestly Celibacy?]
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