Articles by Alan Holdren
Profile: US ambassador seeks to 'build bridges' with Vatican
Jan 20, 2011 / 14:37 pmAmerica’s ambassador to the Holy See says the two sides are working to rebuild trust following the leak of alleged diplomatic cables that caused embarrassment late last year.
Letter from 1997 shows Vatican concern to ensure abuse verdicts, officials say
Jan 19, 2011 / 16:54 pmA newly released 1997 letter that some claim proves a Vatican-led cover up of clergy sex abuse in Ireland is being misrepresented, Vatican and Irish Church officials said.
Profile: The American 'CEO' of the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious
Jan 18, 2011 / 16:02 pmArchbishop Joseph Tobin, the American who serves as secretary of the Vatican's Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, is no stranger to community life.
Neocatechumenal Way receives Vatican approval for its teachings, instructions from Pope
Jan 17, 2011 / 14:06 pmOn a day already meant to be celebratory for the Neocatechumenal Way, the Holy See gave the movement more reason to cheer as it announced its approval of the community's series of teachings. The Pope praised the community, but also gave them explicit instructions to work with local priests to carry out their mission.
Pope, rabbi express pleasure over coming beatification of John Paul II
Jan 16, 2011 / 08:55 amIn their own words, two old friends of John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Rabbi Elio Toaff of Rome, are both happy for the recognition of his life through his coming beatification.
Pope prays for the 'one human family' desired by Christ
Jan 16, 2011 / 08:33 amMarking the 97th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the "migration experience" of the Church and hoped for a future where all people consider themselves part of "one human family."
Layman who made being an Italian Catholic politician acceptable to be beatified
Jan 16, 2011 / 05:42 amCatholic economist and sociologist Giuseppe Toniolo's influence a century ago opened the door for important changes in Italian society. Because of his dedication to politics, Italian Catholics were able to fight Freemason efforts to keep them out of government.
First priests ordained to new Catholic Church structure for former Anglicans
Jan 15, 2011 / 11:05 amAn official jurisdiction for members of the Church of England opting for full communion with the Catholic Church was established just in time to receive its first three priests on Saturday.
Pope rejects plan to expel Neocatechumenal Way from Japan, will appoint delegate
Jan 14, 2011 / 16:50 pmA papal delegate will soon be appointed to kick-start dialogue between the Japanese bishops and officials of the Neocatechumenal Way. A December meeting in the Vatican left them at odds about the movement's future in the nation.
John Paul II's beatification approved for May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday
Jan 14, 2011 / 08:55 amThe much-anticipated beatification of Pope John Paul II will take place on May 1, the Sunday after Easter, the Vatican announced.
Vatican official: Church’s justice teachings need new 'vocabulary' for some US audiences
Jan 13, 2011 / 15:33 pmWhen he travels to the United States next month, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is aware that he may have to make some adjustments in the way he talks about the Church’s social teaching.
On earthquake anniversary, Pope appoints archbishop, sends $1.2 million to Haiti
Jan 12, 2011 / 10:24 amExactly one year since a catastrophic earthquake took the life of the Archbishop Serge Miot of Port-au-Prince, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a new leader to help guide the Haitian Church and nation out of the rubble.
Papal envoy ends Vietnam's Jubilee Year with call to evangelization
Jan 7, 2011 / 18:52 pmCelebrating the close of a jubilee year for the Church in Vietnam, special Vatican envoy, Cardinal Ivan Dias urged Catholics to continue to evangelize their country.
Pontifical North American College celebrating 150 years, and biggest class in a generation
Jan 7, 2011 / 13:12 pmAfter 150 years in Rome, some things at the Pontifical North American College are being changed but traditions and the root of its mission in the formation of future priests continue on.
Legionaries to begin series of 'community reflections' in February
Jan 6, 2011 / 15:08 pmThe Legion of Christ is not yet back on its feet, but signs are coming from Rome that a slow and certain renewal is taking place.
Former Anglican bishops studying to become Catholic priests
Jan 5, 2011 / 15:24 pmThree former Anglican bishops are busily preparing to be ordained as Catholic priests on Jan. 15, following their reception into the Church at a Mass held in London's Westminster Cathedral on New Year’s Day.
Papal preacher says new evangelization must return to ways of the apostles
Dec 20, 2010 / 17:32 pmThe methods and means that served the apostles to evangelize the pre-Christian world are valuable to Christians today as they seek to "re-evangelize" secularized parts of the world, the Pope's preacher told CNA.
A beautiful thing: Dr. Carlo Bellieni’s mission to the unborn
Dec 20, 2010 / 15:02 pmDr. Carlo Bellieni, a neonatal doctor in Siena, Italy, is working tirelessly to change the way the world looks at unborn children.
Persecution leading Iraqi Christians to draw harsh conclusions
Dec 17, 2010 / 12:40 pmWith Christmas fast approaching, Iraqi Christians are coming to the hard realization that there may be a day when there are no more Christians left in their homeland.
Japan's bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to leave for five years
Dec 16, 2010 / 17:32 pmCiting years of “trouble,” Japan’s Catholic bishops have asked the Neocatechumenal Way to cease activities in the country for the next five years.