Friday, April 30, 2010

Recent News Highlights: Catholic Schools

The following are some recent news highlights involving Catholic schools...

* A loaded gun was confiscated from a locker at a Catholic high school in McKeesport, PA after students reported the weapon to the school's principal. The student suspected of carrying the gun was "removed by police", suspended, and faces criminal charges & possible expulsion. A diocesan official said the incident involved a student enrolled in a "special needs" program

* A science teacher who taught at a Catholic school in the U.K. was recently cleared of attempted murder over his attack of a teenager. The student ("described as a 'leading light' when it came to causing trouble") reportedly wrestled with and cursed the teacher before the incident. The teacher (who apparently "suffered years of abuse by students") was described as "previously a man of 'impeccable character'", although he had recently suffered from stress-related problems & was reportedly "in a fragile state of health" at the time of the incident. Reportedly, the teacher "cracked after provocation" by students and struck a male student with a weight while shouting "die". The student suffered a fractured skull, and the teacher admitted to causing him "grievous bodily harm" (although he claims it was without intent). The teacher spent months in jail after the incident and now awaits sentencing. The case has caused some teachers to speak out against students' bad behavior at school - which they say has "become worse" over recent years - claiming that situations may be "incredibly damaging" for staff and can "easily spiral out of control"

* A lesbian teacher at a Catholic school in Canada was informed that she "could not return to her job" after she applied for "parental leave" to be with her "partner" and her "partner's" new baby. Although the lesbian violated the "Catholicity" clause she signed (in which she promised to "demonstrate a respectful and sympathetic sensitivity to the aims and nature of the school and to the Catholic beliefs and practices of the school"), she will reportedly continue to receive pay from the school until the end of June. The case has sparked freedom of religion debates [Also See: Defending the Indefensible | Catholic education begins at home]

[4/30]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-30-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for May [4/30]

Oldest member of College of Cardinals dies just short of 99th birthday [4/30]

Pope Benedict speaks on world 'economic crisis'; Says "economic life should properly be seen as an exercise of human responsibility, intrinsically oriented towards the promotion of the dignity of the person, the pursuit of the common good and the integral development - political, cultural and spiritual - of individuals, families and societies" [4/30]

Nuns’ chapel in Chile bombed; Anarchist group suspected [4/30]

House Republican Leader says GOP will try to repeal abortion-expanding healthcare bill if they gain the majority after the November elections [4/30]

Pope Benedict meets with bishops who investigated the Legionaries [4/30]

NCEA report says U.S. Catholic high schools have 99.1% graduation rate, compared to public schools' 73.1% graduation rate [4/30]

Lay group says real story behind Miami archbishop's early retirement involves "gay cabal of priests" that are "veritably running the archdiocese" [4/30]

Catholic news agency Zenit says they are working to resolve technical problems with their website; They claim readers "can be certain that the Web page cannot transmit any virus" [4/30]

'Presumed consent' organ harvesting bill introduced in NY [Note: Click here for free flier & wallet card: 'Organ Donation: Act of Charity or License to Kill?] [4/30]

"Nothing special about Papal quarters in Fatima" [4/30]

'Quiet euthanasia' kills "hundreds of thousands of patients" each year and "no police or district attorney will act to investigate or prosecute" [4/30]

Due to "overwhelming demand", organizers of historic TLM at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception announce they will produce a DVD of the event [4/30]

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-29-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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UK official suspended over Foreign Office memo which contained offensive suggestions for Pope Benedict's upcoming visit [4/29]

Pro-lifers to hold conference addressing the "devastating" environmental effects of hormonal contraceptives; Group says the "powerful, steroid-based hormones are not metabolized but are excreted into the water supply" and says that a single contraceptive patch or ring can contaminate millions of gallons of water [Refresher: Catholic teaching against contraception] [4/29]

Cardinal Levada failed to report abusive priest [4/29]

Supreme Court rules memorial cross can stay [4/29]

Priest murdered in India [4/29]

Pro-lifers respond to legal challenge against new OK law requiring that women have the opportunity to see an ultrasound before an abortion, saying the law is constitutional: "The state has a right to ensure that a woman receives sufficient information to give fully informed consent" before she takes the "irrevocable and lethal step of having her own child killed by abortion" [Refresher: Catholic teaching against abortion] [4/29]

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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* The Washington Post has published the "astounding - and completely unsupported - claim" (CatholicCulture.org) that Archbishop Burke was "'kicked upstairs' because of improper handling" of abuse allegations. The "reliably faithful prelate" - appreciated by many Catholics for his orthodox, conservative views - is presently serving as head of the Church's 'Supreme Court' and is widely expected to be made a Cardinal

* Lawmakers in Oklahoma have overridden their Governor's veto of two pro-life bills that are expected to reduce abortions. One of the new laws requires that women be given a chance to see an ultrasound before having an abortion, the other law prohibits "wrongful life" lawsuits from being brought against doctors for not suggesting abortion [Related: Catholic teaching against abortion]

* Caution: The Catholic news agency Zenit appears to be having trouble with their website. At present, it is being flagged as potentially dangerous by both search giant Google & the Firefox web browser. Readers may be advised to avoid this site (including any links that may appear herein) until the problem is resolved

* The Knights of Columbus have donated more than 1,000 wheelchairs to earthquake victims in Haiti

* Under fire over a same sex 'marriage' course to be led by a professor with connections to homosexual activist groups, Seton Hall University has issued a statement saying that they "fully anticipate that the Catholic position" regarding same-sex 'marriage' will be "robustly explored" in the course. [They "anticipate" that the "Catholic position" will be "explored"? How about promising that the (truthful!) teachings of the Catholic Church will be taught and defended?] Supposedly, the archdiocese was "unaware" of the course offering and finds it "troubling." [So stop it!]

* The Gingrich's new film on Pope John Paul II will be released next week. The film covers the late pope's visit to Poland in 1979

* No surprise here: Various U.S. bishops have condemned Arizona's anti-illegal immigration legislation, calling the new law "harmful", "mean spirited", "draconian", "inhumane", "un-American", etc. While certain bishops have forcefully condemned the legislation's possible negative effects on illegal immigrants, similar concern for U.S. citizens suffering due to illegal immigration - e.g. those suffering from violent crime, property damage, job loss, increased tax burden, closure of emergency rooms, etc. - was "almost absent." Also "noticeably missing" was mention of Mexico's significantly harsher anti-illegal immigrant policies, the duty of persons to obey lawful authority, concern for national sovereignty, safety concerns for U.S. citizens, etc. [Related: Civics 101: Breaking the law is not okay]

* Cardinal Bertone's comments that priestly celibacy is not "untouchable" have (rightly) raised many eyebrows. However, the prelate was not speaking of any planned change in the Church's discipline, a discipline called "one of the purest glories of the Catholic priesthood" (Pope Pius XI), "a brilliant jewel" (Pope Paul VI), and "a spiritual treasure" (Pope John Paul II). While the Church has occasionally permitted some exceptions to priestly celibacy, she has "from time immemorial" strongly praised & defended "this the purest and noblest glories of her priesthood" (Pope John XXIII), a discipline that is recommended in Holy Scripture [Note: For reasons for priestly celibacy, click here]

* Some abuse victims who previously met with Pope Benedict are hoping that thousands of other abuse victims will join them at St. Peter's Square on October 31 - the unfortunate anniversary day marking the beginning of Martin Luther's revolt - for a "healing moment"

[4/28]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-28-10]

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New, more accurate English translation of Roman Missal (Novus Ordo) will be ready "soon", according to Pope Benedict [4/28]

NY Times reveals that lawyer suing the Vatican steered the paper's recent news coverage [4/28]

Bishops in charge of Apostolic Visitation of Legionaries to meet on Friday [4/28]

Pro-aborts file lawsuit against new OK law requiring that pregnant women be given an opportunity to view an ultrasound prior to an abortion [4/28]

Pope speaks regarding May 1, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, "guardian of the Holy Family and patron of all men who earn their living through their work", calling for the day to be "an opportunity for deeper reflection on the meaning of work and its proper place in family life" [4/28]

Notorious abuser-priest now "lives as a transient", enabling him to avoid registering as an offender [4/28]

In PBS interview, Cardinal Levada says he wouldn't be surprised if more resignations followed over improper handing of abuse cases [4/28]

Two more bishops discontinue support of CCHD [4/28]

Explorers outside the "ark of the Church" believe they have discovered Noah's Ark [Refresher: "The Church is like the ark of Noah, outside of which nobody can be saved." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church)] [4/28]

Premature newborn in Italy receives medical care (but unfortunately later dies) after priest reports that the infant survived an abortion attempt [4/28]

November elections may "yield a landslide for the pro-life movement" [4/28]

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Highlights from the Statistical Yearbook

The following are some highlights from the new edition of the Statistical Yearbook of the Church (covering 2000-2008)...

* The number of Catholics worldwide has increased 11.54% to 1,166 million in 2008, with a large increase in Africa (33%) and Asia (15.61%)

* Catholics as a percentage of the total population in Europe declined from 26.8% in 2000 to 24.31% in 2008, "remained stable" in America and Oceania, and "increased slightly" in Asia

* The total number of priests "increased slightly" (less than 1%), with the number of diocesan priests increasing by 3.1% and the number of regular priests declining by over 3%

* The number of non-ordained religious declined from 55,057 in 2000 to 54,641 in 2008

* The number of female religious declined from 800,000 in 2000 to 740,000 in 2008

Source: Vatican Information Service

[4/27]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-27-10]

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*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
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Vatican Publishing House releases new edition of the Statistical Yearbook of the Church [4/27]

Some good news: Another bishop withdraws support for CCHD; Diocese of Greensburg, PA to develop Poverty Relief Fund to support the poor locally [4/27]

High demand surprises organizers of three day event in Rome marking end of Year for Priests [4/27]

Speculation regarding Papal apology at conclusion of Year for Priests [4/27]

Good news for ND88: Judge lifts stay, allowing defense to subpoena documents & make officials testify under oath [4/27]

NY Times article "highlights Pope Benedict’s support of investigation of Cardinal Groër" [4/27]

Here we go again: Loyola Marymount University commencement speakers support abortion, homosexual 'marriage', despite university's mission to be at "The service of faith and the promotion of justice"

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Monday, April 26, 2010

'Absolutely no intention to offend'?

A leaked internal memo of the U.K. Foreign Office has been "withdrawn" after causing an uproar. The memo - resulting from a "brainstorming session" - contained various offensive suggestions for Pope Benedict's September visit, including that the Holy Father preside at the opening of an abortion facility and bless a homosexual 'marriage'. There has since been an apology and the memo's writer was "transferred to other duties" after his "serious error of judgment." The memo's author was reportedly "completely contrite" and supposedly had "absolutely no intention to offend." The Bishop of Nottingham called the memo "appalling", and said that "You don’t invite someone to your country and then disrespect them in this way." As Cardinal Martino stated, "To make a mockery of his beliefs and the beliefs of millions of Catholics, not just in Britain but across the world, is very offensive indeed." A Vatican spokesman has stated that the incident will not affect the Pope's upcoming visit.

[4/26]

'Quotable Quote' from Bishop Slattery

The following 'quotable quote' is from Bishop Slattery's sermon at Saturday's historic TLM...

"Suffering then, yours, mine, the Pontiffs, is at the heart of personal holiness, because it is our sharing in the obedience of Jesus which reveals his glory. It is the means by which we are made witnesses of his suffering and sharers in the glory to come. Do not be dismayed that there are many in the Church who have not yet grasped this point, and fewer yet still in the world will even dare to consider it. But you - you know this to be true - and it is enough. For ten men who whisper the truth speak louder than a hundred million who lie. If, then, someone asks of what we spoke today, tell them we spoke only of the truth. If someone asks why it is you came here to Mass, say that it was so that you could be obedient with Christ. If someone asks about the homily, tell them it was about a mystery. And if someone asks what I said to the present situation, tell them only that we must - all of us - become saints through what we suffer."

Related: Suffering & Death

[4/26]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-26-10]

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New dicastery "dedicated to the evangelization of the West" is expected to be created; New dicastery will be "aimed at bringing the Gospel back to Western societies that have lost their Christian identity" [4/26]

Vatican spokesman says media reports inaccurate: Holy See supports adult stem cell research, but there is "no funding commitment" [4/26]

U.K. Foreign Office "very much regrets" internal memo containing "despicable, vile" proposals for the Pope's September visit (e.g. that the Holy Father preside over the opening of an abortion facility); Vatican spokesman says the incident won't affect the Pope's upcoming visit [4/26]

Cardinal Danneels denies being told of abuse by bishop [4/26]

Pope reminds of importance of prayer for vocations [4/26]

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Saturday, April 24, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-24-10]

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Images from historic TLM at Basilica of the Immaculate Conception [4/24]

Legion of Christ says Vicar General was only "sharing his personal beliefs", not speaking for the order [4/24]

Colombian priest hears deathbed confession of man called 'the devil' after leaving scapular in his car [4/24]

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Friday, April 23, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-23-10]

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Belgian bishop admits to abusing a minor; His resignation is accepted "immediately" [4/23]

More bad news about Cardinal Hoyos [4/23]

Holy See's U.S. attorney issues declaration regarding lawsuit in Milwaukee; Statement says the case "is completely without merit" and that "While legitimate lawsuits have been filed by abuse victims, this is not one of them" [4/23]

Vatican to finance adult stem cell research at cost of $2.7 million [4/23]

Investigation reveals that while peaceful pro-lifers still face fines & jail time for protesting at Notre Dame, anti-military and pro-gay demonstrators had their charges dropped; ND president Fr. Jenkins "has reportedly refused to discuss the disparate treatment" [4/23]

Publisher of National Catholic Register apologizes for "energetic defense" of Legionaries' founder [4/23]

Wisconsin priest placed on leave while Archdiocese investigates claim that he violated the seal of confession [4/23]

Vatican's environmental project 'a failure'; Legal action being contemplated [4/23]

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Catholic Teachings Vindicated Once Again

Catholics may be interested in two medical links being reported on pro-life sites which (no surprise) vindicate Church teachings, namely...

* LifeSiteNews.com is reporting on a link between use of the contraceptive pill and HIV/AIDS. They indicate that "More than 50 medical studies, to date, have investigated the association of hormonal contraceptive use and HIV/AIDS infection. The studies show that hormonal contraceptives - the oral pill and Depo-Provera - increase almost all known risk factors for HIV, from upping a woman's risk of infection, to increasing the replication of the HIV virus, to speeding the debilitating and deadly progression of the disease." [Related: Catholic teaching against contraception]

* LifeNews.com reports that "A new study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency shows a correlation between the use of cells from babies in abortions in vaccines to an increase in autism rates." [Related: Catholic teaching against abortion]

"The Catholic Church is the key to a happy life. Those who follow her precepts are deeply happy and fulfilled, those who don't suffer many avoidable tragedies. Society is proof!" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

[4/22]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-22-10]

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Statistics published on the Catholic Church in Portugal [4/22]

Pope Benedict accepts resignation of Irish bishop in wake of abuse scandal; Bishop apologizes to victims, takes responsibility for not challenging the "prevailing culture" [4/22]

Bishop Slattery of Tulsa will replace Cardinal Hoyos at historic TLM [4/22]

Hackers deface Argentinean Catholic news agency web site [4/22]

Despite repeat failures, attorney Jeffrey Anderson sues Vatican again: CL calls suit "frivolous" [4/22]

Statue head that survived Nagasaki bombing is blessed by Pope before visit to Spain & U.S. [4/22]

Update on Apostolic Visitation of U.S. women religious [4/22]

Archdiocese of San Francisco files suit challenging multi-million dollar tax over internal restructuring [4/22]

Attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II requests meeting with Pope Benedict at Fatima [4/22]

English and Welsh bishops express "heartfelt apology and deep sorrow" to abuse victims [4/22]

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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Arizona Court Rules Noise Ordinance Preventing Church Bell Ringing is Unconstitutional

A federal judge in Phoenix has ruled that the city cannot enforce its noise ordinance to prohibit bell ringing ("sound generated in the course of religious expression"). The noise ordinance that had prevented churches from ringing bells was determined to violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

[4/21]

Historic TLM to Go Forward With New Celebrant

The Paulus Institute has announced that the April 24 Mass at the high altar of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (coinciding with Pope Benedict's five year inauguration anniversary) will go forward. However, they are seeking another bishop to celebrate the historic TLM. The announcement came after abuse victims expressed concern over the presence of the originally scheduled celebrant, Cardinal Hoyos, in light of recent controversy. A Paulus Institute press release indicates that "This action will help maintain the solemnity, reverence and beauty of the Mass."

Related: The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the New (Novus Ordo) Mass

[4/21]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-21-10]

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Armed robbers attack Vatican embassy in Angola [4/21]

Pope Benedict reflects on meeting with abuse victims: "I shared in their suffering and, with emotion, I prayed with them, assuring action on behalf of the church"; Vatican statement says, "He prayed with them and assured them that the church is doing, and will continue to do, all in its power to investigate allegations, to bring to justice those responsible for abuse and to implement effective measures designed to safeguard young people in the future" [4/21]

HBO to air "revisionist" program "glorifying the life of assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian" [4/21]

Msgr. Gruber denies report that he was pressured to take the blame in German abuse scandal; Says he was not pressured to protect Pope Benedict [4/21]

USCCB to launch website to promote vocations [4/21]

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-20-10]

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Recent appointments: New archbishop of Miami, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski; New bishop of Springfield, IL, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki [4/20]

St. John Vianney’s relics to 'tour Ireland' from April 25-28 [4/20]

Programme of Pope Benedict's May 2 visit to Turin [4/20]

CPA priest receives papal mandate for ordination as bishop [4/20]

'Activities & trips highlights' for Pope Benedict for May - September [4/20]

Zenit: Correction re: Golden Roses [4/20]

St. Pio's body transferred to new church [4/20]

Cardinal Hoyos says the abuse cover-up referred to in his 2001 letter to a French bishop was based on the priest's admission of guilt obtained by the bishop in confession (and therefore protected by the confessional seal) [4/20]

Half the population of Malta turned out for Pope Benedict's visit [4/20]

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Monday, April 19, 2010

Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* A Reuters photo appears to show Pope Benedict falling asleep during Mass in Malta. The Holy Father has since returned to the Vatican and was reportedly "resting" in Rome after his "brief, but intense" trip to the island country. Various reports indicate that Holy Father appeared "tired" during his trip.

* A forthcoming report in a German news magazine is expected to allege that a former aide was put under "heavy" pressure to take the blame for an abuse scandal in Pope Benedict's former archdiocese. Supposedly, the prelate was "begged" to take the blame in a series of phone calls he received from (apparently unnamed) "church officials" in order to clear Pope Benedict of responsibility.

* Recent media reports are claiming that Pope John Paul II approved of Cardinal Hoyos' shocking 2001 letter which praised a French bishop's cover-up of an abuse case. Reportedly, Cardinal Hoyos himself alleges that Pope John Paul authorized him to "send the letter to all the bishops in the world and publish it on the internet." The Cardinal further claimed that the bishop in the case did not "denounce" the priest because the priest had told of his sins in the confessional.

* A survey of new seminarians to be ordained in 2010 has revealed that 31% are foreign-born and 10% are converts. The survey also indicated that 37% have a relative who is a priest or religious and that 50% were "discouraged by parents or other family members from considering the seminary." Nearly 80% were encouraged to consider the priesthood by a priest and at least half had participated in some form of "parish ministry."

* Parishioners from "ethnic" parishes have appealed to Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, to "help them save their churches" which they claim have been "unfairly targeted for closure". They claim that "certain American bishops...are engaged in a massive program of unjust suppression against parishes with strong ethnic traditions" and have referred to the closures as a "deliberate campaign of parish ethnic cleansing spreading across America." One representative claims the "ethnic bias in parish closings in America is clearly in evidence."

[4/19]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-19-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Holy Father resting at Vatican after "brief, but intense" trip to Malta [4/19]

Italy observes day of prayer marking 5th anniversary of Pope's election [4/19]

Our Lady of Ta' Pinu Receives Golden Rose [4/19]

Pope Benedict was "deeply moved" by "emotional" meeting with abuse victims in Malta; Participants report that Holy Father "had tears in his eyes" [4/19]

Cardinal Newman Society presents Pope gift of one million prayers [4/19]

Archbishop Burke performs baptism according to traditional rite in St. Peter's Basilica [4/19]

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Saturday, April 17, 2010

His Apology Was Forced

The controversial Chicago priest who 'apologized' for his dissenting remarks and claimed that he "respect[s] and follow[s] the Catholic Church teachings" has said on a Facebook page that he was "told" that he had to apologize, even though he continues to publicly disagree with Church teachings. [Earlier story here]

Considering the wording of his earlier statement, however, most intelligent people probably already figured out that he was "forced" to apologize. The big question is how long will this dissenting priest who undermines Catholic teachings be allowed to continue as pastor. Then again, persons who are familiar with such cases probably already know the answer to that question. Let us pray, though, that we may be pleasantly surprised.

[4/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-17-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Vatican releases outline of Pope Benedict's travel plans for next five months [4/17]

Holy Father receives "warm welcome" in Malta [4/17]

Archive documents show that Catholics who joined the Nazis would be excommunicated [4/17]

Bishop of Greensburg bars dissident nuns from advertising in diocesan media [4/17]

Priest & church employee stabbed in Phoenix are in "good" condition, "recovering well" [4/17]

Survey indicates that parents are "deeply" concerned about media; Psychological counselor warns of harm from media images [4/17]

AP story exposes abuse by priests in missionary work [4/17]

Brazilian archbishop reaffirms Catholic teaching on abortion after a "biased" interview; Says his past comments may not have been "sufficiently clear" [4/17]

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Friday, April 16, 2010

A Couple Updates

The following are a couple of updates to previous news briefs...

* The controversial, dissenting priest shown in online videos rejecting Church teachings and violating "many" liturgical norms, has at the same time both 'apologized' and reaffirmed his position against priestly celibacy & the all-male priesthood. Fr. Pfleger's short, incongruous statement - which contained at least one error of logic (e.g. that women should be ordained simply because they stood at the foot of the cross) - failed to address his violations of liturgical norms or reasons for the Church's position regarding priestly celibacy (click here) and the all-male priesthood [e.g. that it is impossible for the Church to ordain women (click here)]. His contradictory statement appeared on the diocesan website, apparently unchallenged.

* Update on stabbing at Phoenix parish: The daughter of the parish employee who was stabbed has indicated that her mother is expected to be released within a week. She also indicated her gratitude to the heroes who helped, including the priest who risked his safety to protect the woman. Both victims were reportedly in stable condition. According to police, the attacker had demanded his baptismal records.

[4/16]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-16-10]

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Shocking letter of Cardinal Hoyos praises cover-up of abuse case [4/16]

Declaration of Holy See Press Office Director regarding Cardinal Hoyos' letter [4/16]

Pope Benedict celebrates his 83rd birthday at the Vatican; Holy Father will "spend some time resting" for his 'whirlwind' trip to Malta that concludes the day before his fifth anniversary; Media reports increased security for papal trip [4/16]

Cardinal Sodano to represent Pope Benedict at funeral of Polish president [4/16]

'National Day of Prayer' ruled unconstitutional; Case to be appealed [4/16]

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Pope Benedict on the Holy Eucharist

The following are highlights from Pope Benedict's recent remarks concerning the Holy Eucharist & the liturgy...

* The Eucharist constitutes "the centre and permanent source of the Petrine ministry, the heart of the Christian life, source and summit of the Church's mission of evangelization. You can thus understand the concern of the Successor of Peter for all that can obfuscate this most essential point of the Catholic faith: that today, Jesus Christ continues alive and truly present in the consecrated host and the chalice."

* "Paying less attention at times to the rite of the Most Holy Sacrament constitutes a sign and a cause of the darkening of the Christian sense of mystery, such as when Jesus is not the centre of the Mass, but rather a community preoccupied with other things instead of being taken up and drawn to the only one necessary: their Lord."

* Catholics' "primary attitude" during Mass "is not doing, but listening, opening up, receiving.."

* "[I]f the figure of Christ does not emerge from the liturgy...it is not a Christian liturgy"

"The mystery of the most Holy Eucharist which Christ, the High Priest instituted, and which He commands to be continually renewed in the Church by His ministers, is the culmination and center, as it were, of the Christian religion." (Pope Pius XII, "Mediator Dei", 1947 A.D.)

Related: The Holy Eucharist / Mass | Holy Eucharist / Mass Reflections | Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition

[4/15]

Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* 'Religion of peace' at it again: A Philippine bishop (Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela, Basilan) says he "seriously fears" for his life and the lives of the faithful after Muslims attacked the city & destroyed his cathedral. Although the country is predominately Catholic, the Bishops' territory is mostly Muslim

* Dissenting clergy at it again: Videos of the controversial priest who was recently awarded a 'lifetime achievement award' have been circulating online which show the priest rejecting Church teachings and violating "many" liturgical norms. At the awards ceremony, Cardinal George admitted the "controversialist" priest, Fr. Michael Pfleger, has "spoken in anger, sometimes unjustly or uncharitably", but claimed that "like all good priests and pastors, he acts out of love." [A good priest speaking unjustly or uncharitably out of 'love'?]

* A church employee in Phoenix was stabbed as she unlocked a parish gate. A priest who came to her aid was also stabbed. Both victims were taken to the hospital in serious condition. Three nearby students who heard screams chased the suspect and detained him until police arrived. The motive for the assault was initially unknown, but the suspect was reportedly familiar to parish employees

* In the wake of an recent expose concerning the disgraced founder of the Legionaries, there is speculation that the revelations may force Cardinal Sodano to resign. The Cardinal, who was a "chief supporter" of the Legionaries' founder, formerly served as the Vatican Secretary of State and is presently Dean of the College of Cardinals

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has revealed that he has not spoken with Pope Benedict directly about the abuse scandals. Fr. Lombardi indicated that he gets his directions from the Vatican's Secretariat of State ("It is the Secretariat of State that decides the line, and I try to communicate that as best I can")

* A new Brazilian Archbishop has scandalized pro-lifers by his failure to condemn abortion in the case of a young girl who was abused

* A joint statement by the Thomas More Legal Centre and the Catholic Union says media accounts regarding the effort to arrest Pope Benedict during his U.K. trip "seem to have completely misrepresented the law." The groups indicate that the Pope enjoys sovereign immunity and that U.K. law "does not hold the Pope legally liable for the actions of Catholic institutions in the country." "There is not a single criminal offence under British law which could conceivably be alleged against Pope Benedict," they note

* Controversial TOB promoter Christopher West will take a 6 month sabbatical to spend more time with his family and to "reflect more deeply on fraternal and spiritual guidance" that he has received. West has been criticized for an approach that Alice Von Hildebrand said "totally lacks reverence" and which "shocked and horrified" her. Von Hildebrand also remarked that West was "derailed and is doing a lot of harm"

* Another organ donation scandal: The organ donor registry in the U.K. has reportedly "misrecorded" preferences of as many as 800K persons in that country. The Health Secretary has admitted that errors "began appearing over ten years ago." More than 20 cases have been confirmed "in which organs may have been taken from donors without their prior consent." [Note: Click here for free flier & wallet card: 'Organ Donation: Act of Charity or License to Kill?]

* Fr. James Scahill, a MA priest "praised by dissenters", has made waves by calling for Pope Benedict's resignation. He also accused the Pope of lying about his involvement in abuse scandals. Commentary: Perhaps a priest who publicly accuses the Supreme Pontiff of lying, despite the fact that he has been repeatedly exonerated and despite the fact that the priest apparently has no solid evidence to support his claim, should be reminded of the 8th Commandment.

* More dissent: Dissident Swiss theologian Hans Kung is reportedly "urging" bishops to disobey Pope Benedict. The notorious dissenter also says bishops should call for a new synod to discuss "reforms"

* An Indianapolis Catholic school being converted to a "public charter school" run by a Catholic archdiocese is raising eyebrows of non-Catholics who fear that "religion may enter the classroom" and also by Catholics angered at the removal of religious icons and the ending of prayers & religious instruction at the school. The unfortunate arrangement makes the school eligible for state funding. "To exclude the Church, founded by God Himself, from public life, from making laws, from the education of youth, from domestic society, is a grave and pernicious error." (Pope Leo XIII) [More Education Reflections]

[4/15]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-15-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Archbishop Nichols may sue London Times for defamation [4/15]

Cardinals in Rome to gather on Monday to mark Pope Benedict's fifth anniversary [4/15]

"In a remarkable display of journalistic ignorance of Catholic teaching", AP implies Catholics weren't taught to obey civil law until 1965 [4/15]

Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy calls priests to Rome in June for the conclusion of the Year for Priests [4/15]

Holy Father speaks of need to do penance, says supposed freedom from everything - including freedom from the duty of obedience to God - "Is a lie" [4/15]

Good news: Hungarian bishop celebrates TLM [4/15]

Pope Benedict speaks on the priesthood and the priest's role as teacher; Holy Father reminds that the priest "never acts in the name of someone who is absent, but in the very Person of the Risen Christ" [4/15]

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Pope Benedict's planned U.K. trip to go ahead, despite calls for his arrest

Despite calls for Pope Benedict's arrest for "crimes against humanity" over abuse scandals, the Holy Father's planned trip to the U.K. will reportedly still proceed. The campaign to arrest Pope Benedict - "led by British atheists" - appears to be "merely a stunt to get public attention", according to Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi. The spokesman also said, "The Pope's visit is a visit of state, and so it would be very strange if during a state visit the person who is invited to make a state visit is arrested." The trip is scheduled to occur in September.

[4/14]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-14-10]

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Vatican announces seven scheduled beatifications [4/14]

Holy See spokesman says Cardinal Bertone's remark regarding homosexuals "refers to the problem of abuse by priests and not to statistics regarding the general population"; Statistics confirm heterosexual abuse cases are in the minority (30%) [4/14]

Archbishop Chaput "swiftly" removes accused priest from ministry after receiving an allegation dating from 1970's; Priest maintains innocence, has no other abuse allegations [4/14]

Pope Benedict says he's "spiritually close" to earthquake victims in China; Reminds that a priest's whole life must "testify to the truth of the message that he proclaims, in harmony with the apostolic tradition and often in opposition to the spirit of the dominant culture" [4/14]

Investigative report shows "close ties" between disgraced Legionaries founder and former Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano [4/14]

Brazilian 'mastermind' found guilty of ordering nun's murder [4/14]

Compromise solution for Legionaries? 'Commissioner' may be appointed to oversee Legion of Christ [4/14]

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Good Question

The Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, has once again scandalized faithful Catholics by praising the Beatles rock group ("a musical genre which has been described by the Pope has the work of the Devil"). Even the rock band's former drummer has questioned the move...

"Didn't the Vatican say we were satanic?" "And they still forgive us?"

The Beatles' lead singer once boasted they were "more popular than Jesus", their former press officer once claimed "they're so anti-Christ they shock me", and various members of the group have been associated with drugs, the occult, debauchery...

Not exactly holy material for a Catholic newspaper, now is it?

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. (Col. 3:1-2)

Related: What's Next for L'Osservatore Romano - Praise for Satan himself? (7/09) | Vatican newspaper: Here we go again (10/09) | 'Rigid censors' or faithful Catholics? (12/09) | L'Osservatore Romano: Get Serious (2/10)

[4/13]

More News Highlights

More recent news highlights...

* Pope Benedict has reportedly been "put on the shortlist for Classical Brit Awards" for the recently released album featuring his voice

* The plane crash which killed "much of [Poland's] political and military elite", including the country's president, also claimed the life of Bishop Tadeusz Ploski

* The Diocese of Sacramento has announced that it will stop publishing its diocesan newspaper due to financial reasons. The paper had been in operation for 102 years. The diocese plans to start publishing a bimonthly magazine and will "step up its online presence"

* Cardinal Bertone recently stated that "many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia" but says "there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia" [Related: Why Priestly Celibacy?]

* Heartbreaking: According to a new report commissioned by the Church in Germany, children were "sadistically tormented" and abused for decades at a Catholic monastery in Bavaria

* Pope Benedict is willing to meet more abuse victims, according to a Vatican spokesman. The Holy Father has previously met with abuse victims both at the Vatican and on trips

* Ridiculous: Notre Dame has issued a new "institutional pro-life statement" despite the fact that they refuse to drop the charges against the pro-lifers arrested for peacefully demonstrating last year on the Catholic campus. The pro-lifers still face jail time and financial penalties

* In a recent interview, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco said that "Proven cases of mismanagement, underestimation of the facts, if not outright cover-up [of abuse cases], will have to be rigorously prosecuted within and outside the Church and, as has already happened in some cases, will have to result in the removal and dismissal of the people involved."

* European hotlines are apparently being "deluged" with calls reporting abuse by priests. The hotline set up by bishops in Germany reportedly received 2,700 calls in the first three days. Many, but not all, calls involve new abuse allegations. One psychotherapist who takes calls reports that victims "often" report feeling "relieved" after utilizing the church-sponsored hotline service

* Double standard: Although a woman has the supposed "legal right" to kill her unborn child via abortion, a California court has sentenced a man to 50 years in prison for killing his unborn child. Pro-lifers note that the mother could have "legally" paid an abortionist to kill the child and neither she nor the abortionist would suffer a penalty - yet the father (justly) must spend most of his life in prison for killing the same child [Related: Threats to Life: Abortion]

* Not good: Despite the many encouraging facts about the recently named future Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop Jose Gomez, TIA reports that the future leader has (regrettably) previously assisted in a Jewish ceremony inside the Catholic Cathedral of San Fernando in commemoration of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah

* A letter written by a Canadian bishop demonstrates that a Canadian priest who was accused of abuse was promoted to secretary-general of the Vatican's Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the early 1990's. The letter also discusses "how to keep the scandal from becoming public." The accused priest - who is in prison & has since been defrocked - was a friend of Pope John Paul II. He was reportedly promoted even though Canadian Church officials already had knowledge of at least one abuse allegation

* Way to go: Bishop Tobin told the head of the CHA, Sr. Carol Keehan, that he was "very disappointed that the Catholic Health Association, under your leadership, publicly endorsed the recent health care legislation that was passed and signed into law" and said that the CHA leader's "enthusiastic support of the legislation, in contradiction to the position of the Bishops of the United States, provided an excuse for members of Congress, misled the public and cause serious scandal for many members of the Church." He further requested that "St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, sponsored by the Diocese of Providence, be removed from the membership list and mailing list of the Catholic Health Association." Sister Carol Keehan was recently "awarded" one of the 21 pens used by President Obama to sign the abortion-expanding healthcare bill for her 'key role' in the legislation

[4/13]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-13-10]

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

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Vatican announces first meeting of International Investigative Commission on Medjugorje; Communiqué lists members, says "the work of the Commission will be carried out with the utmost reserve. Its conclusions will be submitted to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith for study" [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [4/13]

New Nebraska bill on fetal pain "could weaken Roe v. Wade further"; Pro-life attorney says that "the genius of the measure is the scientific fact that unborn children can feel pain" [4/13]

House in Germany where Pope Benedict was born is vandalized with "obscene" graffiti; 18th century house is now a museum dedicated to the Holy Father [4/13]

Bishops in Connecticut decry legislative attempt to eliminate statute of limitations for abuse cases; Bishops note that the plan "does nothing to protect the state's children because it delays reporting" and warns that decades old allegations may be "impossible to adequately defend in court" due to missing records, unreliable memories; Bishops also warn that the "discriminatory" legislation could have "a devastating financial effect" and may "undermine the mission of the Catholic Church in Connecticut, threatening our parishes, our schools and our Catholic Charities" [4/13]

"How children are unconsciously being deformed..." [4/13]

U.S. Bishops Conference offers "ten tips for child safety" [4/13]

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Monday, April 12, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [4-12-10] (late edition)

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Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
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Vatican Information Service creates new blog [Note: We have added this URL to our news links page] [4/12]

Archbishop Burke says consecrated religious who openly dissent from the authority of Rome and the Church's teaching on life are "an absurdity of the most tragic kind" and should cease identifying themselves as Catholic [4/12]

Vatican publishes CDF guidelines for handling abuse cases; Guidelines state that "Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities should always be followed" and reminds that "the local bishop always retains power to protect children by restricting the activities of any priest in his diocese. This is part of his ordinary authority, which he is encouraged to exercise to whatever extent is necessary to assure that children do not come to harm, and this power can be exercised at the bishop's discretion before, during and after any canonical proceeding" [4/12]

Group of European statisticians agrees: C-14 dating of Shroud of Turin cannot be considered conclusive [4/12]

Former student of then-Professor Ratzinger refutes 'smoking gun' in Oakland case; Says criticism of Pope Benedict is based on "a completely mistaken first premise" [4/12]

Pope Benedict XVI "looking forward" to his visit the Maltese Islands [4/12]

Atheists seek arrest of Pope Benedict during U.K. visit; Want Holy Father put on trial for "crimes against humanity" over abuse scandals [4/12]

"Gender identity disorder" is 'generally passed through' if not reinforced, according to research studies; Researchers say that "when parents or others allow or encourage a child to behave and be treated as the opposite sex, the confusion is reinforced and the child is conditioned for a life of unnecessary pain and suffering" [4/12]

Does media really care about abuse? Abuse is "roughly 100 times more likely to occur in public schools than in Catholic parishes", yet it may go virtually ignored by the media [4/12]

Vatican officials refute claims involving Oakland case; Cardinal Ratzinger "was responding to the priest's own request for dispensation from the vow of celibacy, and at the time had no authority to impose dismissal from the priesthood as a penalty" for abuse; "Cardinal Ratzinger's letter had no bearing on protecting children from Kiesle, or protecting the church's reputation. The priest had already been convicted of...abuse in a well-publicized civil trial in 1978" [4/12]

NY Times columnist says Pope Benedict tougher on abusers than Pope John Paul II; Claims that Pope John Paul II was "a weak administrator, a poor delegator, and sometimes a dreadful judge of character" [4/12]

Thousands visit Shroud of Turin in first public display since 2000; Holy Father welcomes exposition as "an extraordinary call back towards the mystery of the suffering of Christ" [4/12]

Not again: Vatican newspaper praises the Beatles [Related: Earlier stories here, here, and here] [4/12]

Poor children: Number of births to unwed mothers reaches record high according to government report; Number of births to fornicating couples increased by about 1% in 2008 to over 40% of all births [4/12]

Papal defender says journalists have "abandon[ed] standards to attack the Pope"; Says recent AP story "would never have seen the light of day if normal journalistic standards had been in place" [4/12]

Pope Benedict screens film on Pope Pius XII [4/12]

Institute of Christ the King to offer Novena, present spiritual bouquet to Pope Benedict [Note: Link is to form where supporters can pledge prayers & other works] [4/12]

UN judge wants Pope Benedict detained during his visit to the U.K. and prosecuted for "crimes against humanity" in the International Criminal Court over abuse scandals [4/12]

Holy See Press Office Director addresses abuse scandals and resulting "inner wounds", defends Pope Benedict; Says "Alongside concern for victims we must continue to implement, decisively and truthfully, the correct procedures for the canonical judgement of the guilty, and for collaborating with the civil authorities in matters concerning their judicial and penal competencies, taking the specific norms and situations of the various countries into account. Only in this way can we hope effectively to rebuild a climate of justice and complete trust in the ecclesiastical institution" [4/12]

Abuse scandal "not widening" says CL [4/12]

Vatican's sovereign immunity subject to legal challenges [4/12]

-30-

Thursday, April 8, 2010

No scheduled news updates from 4/9 - 4/12

Please Note: There are no scheduled news updates from 4/9-4/12. For Catholic news on these dates, please try here

Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* A youth association in Italy is organizing demonstrations ('sit-ins') throughout the country on April 18 in support of Pope Benedict, who has reportedly "suffered greatly" over the abuse scandals

* A Catholic college in Georgia run by the scandalized Legionaries of Christ has announced that it will close on April 15. The "abrupt closure" will occur a month before the spring semester ends. The students will reportedly receive "full credit" for the semester

* Great news: Bishop Daniel R. Jenky has ordered that the tabernacle be located "in the direct center at the back of the sanctuary" in all churches and chapels in the Diocese of Peoria (except those which receive a special dispensation). The bishop noted that "where we place the Tabernacle - and how we ritually reverence the Reserved Sacrament - is as important for the continuing Eucharistic catechesis as is all our preaching and teaching." Unfortunately, a long (five-year) compliance period has been granted for the directive. [Related: Tabernacle Reflections]

* More good news: A Mandeville, Louisiana parish will construct a new Gothic-style church after "parish committees rejected the idea of a church with a 'modern' design." It is estimated that it will take at least four years to complete the project. The parish reportedly has the largest congregation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. [Related: Church Talk Reflections]

* Not good: A model for a new church in L’Aquila, Italy that "can only be described in terms such as 'awful' and 'hideous'" has been proposed. The so-called "power-blogger Fr. Z" has referred to the design as "perhaps the worst ever" and says "If they actually build this monstrosity...the Roj Mahal in Los Angeles will no longer be the [most] ugly church I have ever seen." The design "resembles a glob of white toothpaste."

* The sister in Chicago who scandalized pro-lifers by claiming that "[President Obama] is not pro-abortion. The president is pro-choice. I think they are two very different things" has apologized for & renounced her comment. In her statement, which appears on the archdiocesan site, she says, "I am affirming my belief in the teachings of the Catholic Church and understand that there can be no distinction between pro-abortion and pro-choice because the choice at issue is the choice to kill a child." Her office has also recently been under criticism for giving an award to the controversial Fr. Michael Pfleger. [Earlier story here]

* A 'Vatican expert' has come to the defense of Pope Benedict, refuting six 'attacks' on the Holy Father. Regarding the matter of abuse scandals in the Church, he says that "Here too, the accusation is against the very man who has done more than anyone, in the Church hierarchy, to heal this scandal." His defender concludes that the reason why "this pope [is] so under attack, from outside of the Church but also from within, in spite of his clear innocence with respect to the accusations" is that "he is systematically attacked precisely for what he does, for what he says, for what he is."

* A "Jewish poet, novelist and essayist" has joined other papal defenders saying that "I am not Catholic, but even I am not blind to the immense moral stature of the current Pontiff in comparison to his present-day swarm of detractors, who are a bunch of harassers." He claims that certain persons in the media are "exploiting the scandal" in an "excuse to corner Benedict XVI", and charges that some media personnel have a greater "fascination with the idea of a hypothetical papal resignation, than with the very acts of pedophilia committed by priests"

* A "prominent African archbishop" has lamented that the Good News we announce "sounds so hollow, so devoid of any meaning when matched with our much publicized negative moral behavior" and complains that "Ironically, [certain] priests have become a stumbling block to the promotion of vocations." He also noted that the abuse scandals help to "weaken the authoritative voice of the Church" and says we must "ourselves turn a new leaf, by being beyond reproach" to rebuild confidence and respect.

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