Recent News Highlights

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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Cardinal Schönborn Issues Apology

CNA is reporting that Cardinal Schönborn issued an apology to Bishop Perić over the Cardinal's recent "private" visit to Medjugorje. The Cardinal's visit has "aggravated the turmoil in the diocese", which is already "plagued by dissent". The faxed "handwritten letter of apology" was issued shortly after Cardinal Schönborn's private meeting with Pope Benedict, a meeting which took place on January 15. The beginning of the letter has been made public. It reads:

"Your Excellency, Dear Brother in Christ. I have received your letter from January 2 of this year. I am very sorry that you got the impression that my pilgrimage has disturbed the peace. You can be sure that this was not my intention."

Related: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?

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Recent News Highlights

Some recent news highlights include...

* The U.S. bishops' meeting began on Monday, November 16, in Baltimore. Topics include healthcare reform, the new translation of the Roman Missal, a pastoral letter on marriage, 'reproductive technology', and directives for the sick concerning nutrition & hydration. The meeting is scheduled to conclude on November 19.

* Concerning the healthcare bill which recently passed the House, pro-lifers have revealed that this massive bill creates a federal grant program in which taxpayer dollars will be used to fund programs which "improve rates of c*ntraceptive use" among teens. Therefore, due to increased use of abortifacient c*ntraceptives, taxpayer money will be used for abortions - despite the Stupak amendment which purports to prohibit taxpayer funding for "most" abortions. Pro-lifers are calling on the bishops to be "more forceful" in their pro-life efforts.

* The former PP director turned pro-lifer says Planned Parenthood "frequently threatens people who go against them" and says that the organization "runs on fear. They are scared of what they do know, and they are scared of what they don't know."

* Cardinal Schönborn ("rock-balloon Mass" participant) will make a "completely private visit" to Medjugorje, according to "leaked" reports. Local authorities "have declared that the alleged apparitions are not to be published or promoted", and Bishop Peric recently said that "we cannot behave as if these 'apparitions' are authentic and approved." One CDF official told CNA that "The local bishops have the ultimate authority on this matter, and their arguments against the alleged apparitions are doctrinally solid." [Click here for more on alleged apparitions at Medjugorje]

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