Articles by Alan Holdren
Vatican museums develop first-ever tours for deaf and blind
Mar 3, 2011 / 09:46 amSpecially-trained guides are now available to offer one-of-a-kind tours of the Vatican Museums to the deaf and blind.
Vatican planning to launch online news portal
Mar 2, 2011 / 14:31 pmThe Vatican's communications department is streamlining its presence on the Internet with a news portal that gathers its media coverage in one place.
In new book excerpts, Pope tackles debates over Jews, Judas and Last Supper
Mar 2, 2011 / 12:10 pmIn his new book, the second volume of “Jesus of Nazareth,” Pope Benedict XVI demonstrates again that “scientific” study of the Scriptures can be joined with a prayerful attitude to yield penetrating spiritual insights.
Islamic extremists assassinate only Christian in Pakistan’s cabinet
Mar 2, 2011 / 09:28 amShahbaz Bhatti, a leading voice for religious freedom and peace in Pakistan, was assassinated March 2.
As Catholics flee Libya, Church responds with prayer, charitable works
Feb 28, 2011 / 13:31 pmThe Catholic Church in Libya is being “purified once again” as its members are forced to evacuate the country amid violent protests, said a Tripoli priest.
Pope to visit site where Nazis executed hundreds of Italians
Feb 25, 2011 / 13:02 pmNext month Pope Benedict XVI will mark the anniversary of a brutal massacre that took the lives of 335 Italians during World War II.
After setback in dialogue with Islam, Vatican official entrusts talks' future to God
Feb 25, 2011 / 10:59 amDialogue will continue on God's time, said a Vatican official as talks with an top Egyptian authority of Islam suffered a blow this week.
Vatican advisor not surprised by British elder care horror stories
Feb 24, 2011 / 17:26 pmStories of elder care nightmares in England and Wales are the result of a new generation of “scared people” that see the elderly, sick and handicapped as “cumbersome” and “useless,” according a Vatican consultant.
Amid violent protests, Catholic missionaries continue their work in Libya
Feb 24, 2011 / 12:03 pmAs a swell of protestors and pro-government troops battle to establish control of Libyan cities, Catholic missionaries continue to carry out their work.
Iraqi ambassador criticized for his views on anti-Christian violence
Feb 23, 2011 / 11:43 amThe violence against Christians in Iraq is real and is driven by Muslim extremists and government indifference.
As Vatican probe nears end, officials see signs of repentance and renewal in Ireland
Feb 21, 2011 / 15:45 pmChurch officials in charge of the Vatican’s investigation of clerical abuse in Ireland are wrapping up their fact-finding missions.
Vatican reportedly blocking re-election for head of its top international charity
Feb 21, 2011 / 12:42 pmThe Catholic Church’s top international charity says the Vatican is preventing the group’s general secretary from seeking a second term in office.
Irish bishops say this week’s election crucial for country’s future
Feb 21, 2011 / 11:40 amFive days before national elections, Ireland's bishops are urging voters and politicians to show “strong leadership rooted in justice, a concern for the common good and a commitment to defend the most vulnerable in our society,” as they head to the polls or campaign for office.
Polish priests display their skiing skills for John Paul II Cup
Feb 19, 2011 / 17:04 pmPolish clergymen rocketed down ski slopes to pay tribute to their beloved Pope and countryman, and to compete for a trophy in the John Paul II Cup.
Mission of new Vatican evangelization office received with enthusiasm
Feb 18, 2011 / 11:54 amThe head of the new Vatican office in charge of the “new evangelization,” said he is encouraged by the support he has received from local churches around the world.
At Vatican budget meeting, cardinals express concerns about global economy
Feb 17, 2011 / 16:59 pmAmid an economic situation still affected by uncertainty in the world marketplace, a group of cardinals expressed their gratitude to the faithful who continue to keep the Holy See going through their donations.
Pope’s meeting with Russian president signals new era in relationship
Feb 17, 2011 / 14:34 pmPope Benedict XVI met with president Dmitry Medvedev at the Vatican on Feb. 17 in their first meeting since the Holy See and Russia decided to upgrade their diplomatic relationship in 2009.
Vatican prefect concerned about ongoing secularization of religious orders
Feb 17, 2011 / 12:22 pmReligious orders face continues pressures to “secularize” and this threatens their identities and their mission in the world, according to the retiring leader of the Vatican’s office on religious life.
Catholic Church seeks to help victims of pirates
Feb 16, 2011 / 16:42 pmOfficials at the Vatican just concluded a meeting to look at ways to meet the spiritual, material and psychological needs of sailors involved in pirate attacks.
St. John of the Cross shows that faith gives man 'wings,' says Pope
Feb 16, 2011 / 12:48 pmThe spirituality and teachings of the “Mystical Doctor of the Church” offer an example of a man whose burdens where lightened by a love for Christ, Pope Benedict XVI said during today’s general audience.