Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Contemplative nuns must join federations, Vatican instruction says
May 15, 2018 / 12:00 pmThe Vatican published an instruction Tuesday aimed at applying norms established in Pope Francis’ 2016 apostolic constitution on women’s contemplative orders, which emphasizes the need for networks of monasteries in contemplative life. The instruction states that all monasteries of nuns must be affiliated with a federation, or organization, of religious houses.
Court to consider request for media gag order in Cardinal Pell trial
May 14, 2018 / 15:09 pmAn Australian court will determine Wednesday whether to accept a request by prosecutors for a “super injunction” against all media reporting of upcoming trials against Cardinal George Pell, prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, on charges of historic sexual offenses.
Pope Francis: Youth are lost in a 'virtual world', instead of reality
May 14, 2018 / 14:07 pmPope Francis said Monday he is worried that youth are too enmeshed in a virtual world of cell phones and other technology, separated, in particular, from the real human contact experienced by performing works of mercy.
Francis: Catholics and Eastern Orthodox have a common 'heritage of holiness'
May 11, 2018 / 11:08 amIn a meeting with the leader of the Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church Friday, Pope Francis recalled two of the saints the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches have in common – Sts. Cyril and Methodius – remarking on the holiness both Churches have inherited.
Cardinal Errazuriz will not participate in Chilean bishops' meeting in Rome
May 10, 2018 / 13:21 pmChilean Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago, has said that he will not take part in a meeting between Chile’s bishops and the pope next week to discuss a report on allegations of abuse cover-up in the Latin American country.
Taiwan's bishops gather at the Vatican for first time in 10 years
May 10, 2018 / 09:29 amThe bishops of the Republic of China, also known as Taiwan, arrived in Rome earlier this week ahead of meetings with the pope and other Vatican officials – the first such visit in 10 years, and their first meeting with Francis since his election.
Embezzlement trial begins for ex-Vatican Bank president
May 9, 2018 / 09:25 amThe first hearing in a trial against the former president of the Institute of Religious Works (IOR) – known as the “Vatican Bank” – and his lawyer took place today at the Vatican.
Pope Francis to meet with head of Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church
May 9, 2018 / 07:45 amPope Francis and the primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav, will meet for the first time later this week, the Vatican announced Wednesday.
New statutes for Vatican laity, family, life office cement links with JPII Institute
May 8, 2018 / 10:15 amThe Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life published updated statutes Tuesday, reconfirming their connection with the re-formed Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute, established by Pope Francis in September 2017.
Love is not just what we see in movies – it takes work, Pope Francis says
May 6, 2018 / 15:12 pmLove is not empty words or what is depicted in romantic films – it is action and service toward others, Pope Francis said in a homily at a Roman parish Sunday.
Pope: Love demands 'all possible assistance' be given to sick and dying
May 6, 2018 / 04:33 amGod’s love requires that we give our best to each and every one of our brothers and sisters, even those who are in the final stage of their life, Pope Francis said during his Regina Coeli address Sunday.
Swiss Guards look to expand ranks as new members are sworn in
May 5, 2018 / 11:55 amAs 33 new Swiss Guards prepare to take an oath Sunday, the entire army is preparing to expand its ranks by two dozen members to respond to increasing administrative demands while ensuring guards are not overworked.
Evangelization is a priority, Francis tells Neocatechumenal Way
May 5, 2018 / 04:28 amCatholics have a mission to evangelize, teaching people that God never tires of loving them, Pope Francis said to members of the Neocatechumenal Way Saturday at a gathering for the 50th anniversary of the movement.
Pope Francis extends mandate of special delegate to Knights of Malta
May 4, 2018 / 04:06 amFifteen months after appointing Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu as his personal envoy to the Knights of Malta, Pope Francis extended the original mandate, requesting that the bishop stay in the post until the order has concluded its reform.
Vatican requests courses to fill ‘urgent need’ for training in canon law
May 3, 2018 / 12:38 pmThe Vatican issued guidelines and norms Thursday for calling for new courses in canon law, designed to respond to a worldwide, “urgent need” for more people with adequate training on the topic of marriage annulments in Church law.
Knights of Malta elect Dalla Torre 80th Grand Master
May 2, 2018 / 08:35 amFra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre was elected Wednesday the 80th Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a position usually held for life. Dalla Torre’s predecessor, Matthew Festing, resigned from the position in 2017.
Following Christ is an all or nothing deal, Pope Francis says
May 2, 2018 / 03:45 amIt is not possible to have a relationship with God if we are attached to sin and the devil, Pope Francis said Wednesday, encouraging Christians to cut those harmful ties and re-proclaim their faith in Christ and his Church.
Pope Francis makes rosary pilgrimage for peace in Syria
May 1, 2018 / 14:06 pmPope Francis made a rosary pilgrimage May 1 to invoke intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in Syria.
German bishops to meet with Vatican officials on intercommunion topic
Apr 30, 2018 / 06:16 amThe Vatican confirmed Monday that a delegation of six German bishops and one priest will meet with Vatican officials, including the head of the CDF, later this week to discuss the issue of the reception of the Eucharist by non-Catholic spouses of Catholics.
Soon-to-be beatified nurse, laywoman lived for others
Apr 27, 2018 / 12:32 pmHanna Chrzanowska, a 20th-century Polish nurse and laywoman who will be beatified in Krakow Saturday, is a model of how to give of oneself for the good of others, said a priest involved with her canonization cause.