SPECIAL FEATURE - Amoris Laetitia: License to Sin & Profane?

The Special Feature article entitled 'Amoris Laetitia: License to Sin & Profane?' (concerning Pope Francis' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation) is now available here.

[4/19/16]

Papal Trip to the U.K.: Security Breach

Top secret documents concerning Pope Benedict's upcoming trip to the U.K. were reportedly left behind at a pub in England by "two smartly-dressed men" who were apparently "event organizers." The paperwork - which contained "detailed information about the Pope's movements", revealed where VIP's will be located, and even included information about water supplies - were found by a bar manager who kept them "locked away" until they could be returned. When the men did not return for the papers, the bar manager decided to hand the sensitive documents over to the police.

[9/6]

More News Highlights

A few more recent news highlights...

* Pope Benedict will visit the birthplace of Pope Leo XIII, Carpineto Romano, on September 5

* Italian officials are hoping to raise millions in private funds to pay for restoration work on the Colosseum

* A Washington Post article notes that "Vandals are increasingly on the prowl in the Eternal City - and now Italian authorities are fighting back, sending more police, installing cameras and even considering using [paroled] convicts to protect monuments and artworks"

* Once again the national motto of the U.S., "In God We Trust", has survived a constitutional challenge. The recent 3-0 decision by a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. affirms that the motto does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment

* The estate of an alleged abuse victim is suing the Diocese of Pittsburgh after the alleged victim committed suicide this past May. The diocese had stopped paying for the man's mental health treatments after two previous suicide attempts

* A CatholicCulture.org article has highlighted the recent "explosive growth" of the Church in Africa, noting that "14% of Catholics worldwide now live there, nearly half of the children in Catholic elementary schools study there, and 43% of the world’s adult baptisms - over a million a year - take place there. There are more Catholic hospitals in Africa than there are in North and Central America combined."

[7/29]

A Time to Lament

The following is a brief overview of some recent scandals in the Church. Definitely not fun reading.

* Reports are circulating about a homosexual "prostitution ring" involving an usher at the Vatican ("a member of an elite group called 'Gentlemen of His Holiness'") as well as a Vatican chorister. At least one seminarian is reportedly also involved.

* A Mexican woman who has come forward regarding her alleged affair with the disgraced founder of the Legionaries of Christ and allegations that she bore two of his children said in a recent interview that she was not aware that he was a priest. The Legionaries' founder allegedly used a different name and "lived a parallel life". Her children were also interviewed and they made abuse accusations against him.

* The abuse scandal in Germany continues to widen. It now includes the choir where Pope Benedict's brother worked for 30 years. The Pope's brother said he did not know about any abuse at the choir.

* Many Irish Catholics are in an uproar over being asked to contribute for abuse victims' compensation. The scandals have also provided those who hate the Church many opportunities to spew insults, and at least one notorious anti-Catholic has predicted the Church's "downfall"

Related: Scandal in the Church (apologetics)

[3/5]

Vatican to make some WWII archives available online

It has been announced that the Vatican will digitize some of its WWII archives and will make the material available online, free of charge. It is said that the documents will "render service to the historic truth." Jews have been calling for release of WWII era documents to examine Pope Pius XII's actions during the Jewish holocaust.

[2/16]

Details regarding the security incident at St. Peter's

A review of more than a dozen articles covering the security incident on Christmas Eve at St. Peter's Basilica where a woman knocked Pope Benedict to the ground as he walked down the isle before Midnight Mass reveals the following...

* The attacker, Susanna Maiolo, who jumped the security barrier is a 25 year-old is a Swiss-Italian national. She was apprehended, unarmed, "almost immediately but not before she was able to grab the Pope’s vestments and drag him to the ground." She reportedly has a "history of mental problems". In fact, in 2008, she had also jumped the barrier - wearing "the same red hooded sweat shirt" - in an attempt to approach the Holy Father but was restrained by security guards. She apparently lives in Switzerland and traveled to Rome "specifically for the Mass, as she did last year." She reportedly told doctors that she "intended no harm but merely wished to greet the Pope." After the incident, she was placed under observation in a psychiatric facility near Rome

* The 82 year-old Pope Benedict XVI was said to be shaken but, thankfully "and perhaps miraculously", was unhurt after the incident. He got up quickly, "proceeded down the aisle to cheers of 'Viva il Papa!' ('Long live the Pope')", and celebrated Mass without further interruption. The Holy Father did not mention the event in the various talks he made over the weekend and his schedule was not disturbed. He appeared to be "in good shape" days after the incident although at the Christmas blessing at St. Peter's he did appear "unsteady on his feet". According to the director of the Vatican press office, Pope Benedict has "already forgiven his assailant"

* Another prelate, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, was harmed during the incident. The 87 year-old Cardinal was taken away in a wheelchair after suffering a broken femur. He has undergone hip-replacement surgery and is said to be "in good condition"

* Since the incident, the Pope's security has been under scrutiny. However, it is noted that it is "impossible" to provide "watertight security" for the Pope since he needs to be close to people and therefore "there will always be a risk". In fact, as one article notes "This was the fifth time in Benedict’s four and a half year pontificate that he has been the object of attacks during public ceremonies." In the present incident, it "seems that [security forces] intervened at the earliest possible moment" but the Vatican will reportedly review their security procedures

* The Vatican is considering what action to take against the woman who knocked the Pope down. A spokesman has, however, said that Vatican justice "is usually benevolent". There is some talk of putting his assailant into long term care at an Italian psychiatric institution and also about the possibility of banning her from St. Peter's Basilica

[12/28]

Midnight at 10 o'clock?

Next time you hear chuckles when someone inquires about the time of Midnight Mass, you might want to think twice. The Pope's Midnight Mass this year is set to begin at 10:00 p.m. Go figure.

[12/4]

'News Quiz': Which of the following are false?

Note: Scroll down for answer

* Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is expected to visit the Vatican and have an audience with the Pope tomorrow (12/3)

* Newly released documents from the Diocese of Bridgeport reveal that Cardinal Egan once thought it "marvelous" that "so few" priests had been accused of abuse

* A "leading Cardinal" has courageously quoted St. Paul that (practicing) homosexuals "will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (1 Cor. 6:9-10) and said that homosexual acts are an "insult to God"

* A Melrose woman who claims to be "very spiritual", but does not "practice organized religion" claims that an "image of Mother Theresa" has appeared on her coffee shop cutting board "in answer to her prayer"

* A 'Catholic' university in Kentucky has posted a job opening for a "Planned Parenthood of Kentucky Peer Educator", where one of the duties is to provide "education, information and resources" on "methods of birth control and safer s*x"

* A "convicted tax evader" priest in Ireland has apologized for his remarks about Revenue Officials. He had called them "the biggest shower of b*st*rds on the planet", but now has "unreservedly withdrawn" these comments and others that alleged that the Revenue Officials "were responsible for suicides" and were "inconsiderate and inhumane"

* For the first time since 2005, more American corporations are on the "nice" part of the annual "naughty & nice" list for their inclusion of Christmas "as a part of their seasonal marketing and ad campaigns." The president of the group that produces the list says that that, for this year, "There’s far more on the nice side than the naughty side"

Answer: None of the above are false.

[12/2]

Vatican issues Apostolic Constitution

The promised Apostolic Constitution ("Anglicanorum Coetibus") designed to make it easier for Anglicans to enter the Catholic Church has been issued. As reported previously, the provisions allow married Anglican (so-called) 'priests'* to be ordained as Catholic priests on a "case-by-case" basis, however "The possibility envisioned by the Apostolic Constitution for some married clergy within the personal ordinariates does not signify any change in the Church's discipline of clerical celibacy", according to the Vatican.

* Reminder: Anglican 'clergy' are not true priests - their orders have been ruled invalid by the Church: "Wherefore, strictly adhering, in this matter, to the decrees of the pontiffs, our predecessors, and confirming them most fully, and, as it were, renewing them by our authority, of our own initiative and certain knowledge, we pronounce and declare that ordinations carried out according to the Anglican rite have been, and are, absolutely null and utterly void." (Pope Leo XIII, "Apostolicae Curae", 1896 A.D., emphasis added)

[Related Resource: Why Priestly Celibacy?]

[11/9]

Moral Outrage (at least on some fronts)

In another blow to pro-lifers, the U.S. bishops have congratulated President Obama - "the most pro-abortion president in history" - on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, stating that...

"In our own country, the remarkable and historic achievement of his election has changed the relationships between men and women of all races. The rich diversity of United States society is now more surely anchored in a national unity that is better able to foster the peace we all are challenged to pursue."

So because a (half) black man has been elected president we are now "more surely anchored in a national unity that is better able to foster the peace we all are challenged to pursue" - even though this man champions s*domy & the killing of the unborn? Even though he has increased international abortions and keeps pushing for more increases in abortion? Even though he rejects marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman? Even though he wants c*ntraceptives handed out to children in government-run schools?

Previously, news of the award was "greeted with appreciation at the Vatican in light of the president's demonstrated commitment to promoting peace on an international level and, in particular, in recently promoting nuclear disarmament", a reaction that caused "shock and dismay" to pro-lifers. As one anonymous pro-life leader told the LifeSiteNews.com website, "If Obama was good on international peace and nuclear disarmament but favored the killing of Jews, its not likely he would get either the Noble Peace Prize or be praised by the Vatican."

Passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize were true champions of peace with tangible accomplishments who are not - as ALL's Judie Brown notes regarding Obama - "dedicated to war in the womb". Besides, as faithful Catholics might ask, how can Obama be given any award for peace - no matter what accomplishments he might have achieved - in light of the fact that he is an unrepentant & ardent promoter of the murder of the unborn? What peace can there be when the weakest among us can be killed with impunity? Had Hitler ever made any true advancements in the name of peace - much less simple 'hopes' - could everyone look the other way regarding his barbaric slaughter of Jewish people because of these efforts (or hopes)? How can we look the other way when an even greater number of children have been killed by their own mothers through abortion? And Obama isn't against these murders, but has done much to foster and expand the killing - even using your tax dollars to do so.

Fortunately the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, was at least partially critical of the award (a 'happy surprise' given some of their recent controversial articles), stating that "Analysts have almost unanimously interpreted his selection as a way of pressuring Obama to make pacifist choices as his administration continues forward." The paper also said that Obama should "recall that in 1979 he was preceded by Mother Teresa, who had the courage to state in her acceptance speech that the harshest war with the greatest number of 'fallen' is the practice of abortion, legalized and facilitated as well by the international structures" and noted "that the selection process has become mired in being politically correct."

Unfortunately though, the paper concluded that "at the same time, as the director of the Holy See’s Press Office has stated, we cannot help but rejoice at the recognition of President Obama’s efforts at nuclear disarmament and his personal disposition towards a policy that seeks peace more than the affirmation of U.S. power in the world." Once again, it seems fair to ask if Hitler made efforts at nuclear disarmament (or simply hoped to), could everyone look the other way regarding his barbaric slaughter of Jewish people because of these efforts (or hopes) and not help but "rejoice"? Do you think they would still "rejoice" if their own parents were among those killed by him simply because he supported nuclear disarmament? What if he supported nuclear disarmament even at the very same time that he supported killing more members of their own families? Think they'd still be rejoicing? Think they couldn't "help but rejoice"? Maybe they'd give him a peace prize themselves? Would they then also consider giving Ted Bundy or Charles Manson a peace prize for some perceived good they accomplished (or hoped to achieve) in light of the murders they were also responsible for? Even if these two serial killers were big supporters of nuclear disarmament, it's extremely doubtful anyone would consider giving either of them an award for peace. But unborn babies are every bit as victimized by abortion as these killers' victims were - even more so if you consider that these infants probably never had an opportunity for baptism - so why give an award for peace to someone who supports their killing?

How is it the Vatican, the bishops, and the Vatican newspaper "cannot help but rejoice" at the news of the Peace Prize being given to a radical abortion promoter? Numerous faithful Catholics are morally outraged and want to know why their leaders are expressing "appreciation" and "rejoicing" instead of joining them in expressing moral outrage. Why waste this great teachable moment? Why not tell the world there will be no peace while society tolerates the murder of babies in the womb? Why not remind the world that true peace is not possible when we do not obey Christ? How can they feel "appreciative" and "rejoice" at the thought that this man would fight for the 'right' to kill them as well as their loved ones - and anyone else for that matter - while they were in the womb? Let's also not forget that this same 'peaceful' man voted against giving medical care to babies born alive after an 'unsuccessful' abortion. Still rejoicing?

What about the recent comments of the self-professed 'champion' of s*domites that echo his previous statements & actions. Do they still feel "appreciative" and "rejoice" at the award in light of the following recent remarks of Obama's?...

* Obama has pledged to be with the homosexuals in their "fight" (sound peaceful?), saying that "we will have moved closer to that day when no one has to be afraid to be gay in America. When no one has to fear walking down the street holding the hand of the person they love."

* Obama claims that those who oppose homosexual 'marriage' are holding "outworn arguments and old attitudes"

* Obama claims that defenders of traditional marriage "would enshrine discrimination into our Constitution" and claims that they are pushing "divisive and deceptive efforts to feed people’s lingering fears for political and ideological gain"

* Obama stated that his administration will work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. He is also trying to get the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act passed as well as moving ahead with plans to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell policy"

* Obama told a homosexual advocacy group that they "will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women as just as real and admirable as relationships between a man and a woman" (emphasis added)

Still rejoicing? Still think the man promotes peace? Does it bother you that he is spending your hard-earned tax dollars on new federal benefits for 'LGBT families', not to mention increased funding for abortion? Doesn’t it make you sick to think that he and his wife purposely invited "LGBT families to the White House to participate in events like the Easter Egg Roll, because we want to send a message"? Doesn't it offend you that he's doing all he can to push sinful, abhorrent homosexual unions as well as the murder of the unborn? How can a man so committed to half of only four sins that cry out to heaven for vengeance [namely: (1) willful murder (abortion), and (2) sodomy] be given an award for peace? And how can our Catholic leaders be "appreciative" of and "rejoicing" at the news? Enough rejoicing already - this is a time for lamination!

"'Peace, peace!' they say, though there is no peace. They are odious; they have done abominable things, yet they are not at all ashamed, they know not how to blush. Hence they shall be among those who fall; in their time of punishment they shall go down, says the LORD." (Jer. 6:14-15)

"We remember saying that...as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of Our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations." (Pope Pius XI)

[Related: The End of Freedom in America?]

[10/12]

The Pope's meeting with Obama: NOT another Notre Dame scandal

In various forums, people have been comparing the Pope's meeting with Obama to the Notre Dame scandal. But this comparison is fatally flawed. There is a huge difference between (1) a Catholic college causing worldwide scandal & violating a directive of the bishops (From the 2004 USCCB statement: "The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions") by inviting & conferring an honorary law degree on a pro-abortion president (who, by the way, feels the "world's most innocent & helpless persons" - the unborn - should have no legal rights whatsoever) and giving him a platform to speak to impressionable students, even in defiance of the area's bishop, and (2) the Pope agreeing to meet with Obama diplomatically as head of the U.S. without giving him an award or a public platform to speak to impressionable young persons. The former situation honors the man, the latter honors the office of the president.

And we can be fairly sure that when Obama meets with the Pope, the President won't be wearing an inscription symbolic of dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary while affirming his radical pro-abortion stance. Also, the two of them will each be speaking - the Pope won't simply be listening to Obama's rhetoric. Further, we feel confident that elderly priests on the grounds won't be arrested and carted away for defending life along with other pro-lifers. Likewise, we hope that the Pope would dismiss the idea of "common ground" on the killing of babies as fast as he would reject the notion of finding "common ground" concerning toleration of racial prejudice. Obviously, both should be rejected outright. Furthermore, it would seem out of character that a Pope would give Obama the (embarrassingly) laudatory treatment that Notre Dame's Fr. Jenkins accorded our President. Nor will Obama walk away from his meeting with the Pope carrying an honorary degree. Finally, while the President's presence at Notre Dame was in no way obligatory, his presence in world diplomatic relations obviously is necessary. Who cannot see that there is a world of difference between these two events? Or is this just one more attempt by liberals to turn a situation to their advantage?

[7/9]

Will Chinese Government Block Access to Vatican Website?

With the announcement that the Vatican website will soon include the Chinese language, fears are circulating that the site may be blocked by the Chinese government. As reported by Reuters, "China's communist government does not allow its Catholics to recognize the Pope's authority and forces them to be members of a state-backed Catholic organization." It is believed that the site may be blocked by the Chinese government if it finds anything to be "objectionable or unsavory" - e.g. criticism of the Communist Party, reports of nominations of bishops, discussion of the supremacy of the Pope, etc. Pray for the persecuted Church in China! [3/16]

The Worst Crime in the World?

Apparently, SSPX Bishop Williamson has committed such a serious crime by his holocaust denial as to have his apologies 'scorned' at the Vatican. He is also been barred by Cardinal Mahoney from even entering churches in the Los Angeles diocese. In addition, according to Cardinal Mahoney, Williamson "is not - and may never become - a member [of the Catholic Church]". Ironically, in Cardinal Mahoney's diocese, one may find predatory priests welcomed, dissenters welcomed, practicing homosexuals welcomed, pro-abortion politicians welcomed, etc. One may also find that Eucharistic abuses - that is abuses against the very body of Christ - are tolerated in the diocese. However, apparently, holocaust denial is a more serous crime that bars one from even entering a church and ever becoming a member of the Catholic Church. God help us! [3/10]