Articles by AC Wimmer
‘Right to abortion’ to be codified in French Constitution
Jan 31, 2024 / 11:45 amThe plan to write access to abortion into France’s constitution was announced by President Emmanuel Macron in October 2023.
Critics challenge German Synodal Way in light of abuse study
Jan 30, 2024 / 10:52 amA new study looking at survivors of abuse within the Evangelical Church in Germany calls into doubt the narrative that abuse is “specific to Catholic factors.”
Vatican prefect: Fiducia Supplicans draws ‘some negative reactions’ from Christian leaders
Jan 19, 2024 / 16:00 pmIn an exclusive EWTN interview and in comments to the Vatican’s news agency, Cardinal Kurt Koch said he has received negative reactions to Fiducia Supplicans.
Amid farmers’ protests and disruptions, German bishop calls for dialogue
Jan 8, 2024 / 13:45 pmBishop Georg Bätzing appealed for peaceful resolutions on Monday: “Let us approach each other and find solutions together that serve the good of all.”
‘Benedict trusted Francis. But he was bitterly disappointed,’ biographer says in new interview
Dec 29, 2023 / 10:57 amPope Benedict XVI’s biographer, Peter Seewald, has raised concerns about how Pope Francis is managing the legacy of his predecessor.
Hearing the pope’s confession: Vatican confessor reflects on sacrament
Dec 10, 2023 / 11:15 amA veteran Vatican confessor spoke about his time as confessor to Pope Francis, stressing the enduring and essential role of the sacrament.
Confronting controversy: German-Polish bishops’ dialogue highlights synodal way tensions
Nov 28, 2023 / 14:05 pmA public dispute between the German Bishops’ Conference president and his Polish counterpart took another turn on Monday.
Vatican draws line on women’s ordination and homosexuality in new letter to German bishops
Nov 24, 2023 / 11:00 amThe letter also warned of potential disciplinary consequences for anyone defying Church teaching.
Police: Suspect in theft of Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross arrested
Oct 7, 2023 / 10:24 amA 53-year-old suspect has been arrested in the theft of Pope Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross.
Cardinal Zen expresses concerns about Synod on Synodality in leaked letter to bishops
Oct 4, 2023 / 08:50 amJust days before the Synod on Synodality kicked off its first round of meetings at the Vatican, a letter from Cardinal Joseph Zen was leaked to media.
German bishops conclude tense gathering with all eyes on Synod on Synodality in Rome
Sep 29, 2023 / 10:45 amConscious of mounting tensions and open defiance around certain issues, the assembly in Wiesbaden served as a charged prelude to more significant debates.
Swiss bishop calls for women’s ordination, end to celibacy ahead of synod
Sep 25, 2023 / 11:53 am“It’s time to abolish mandatory celibacy,” Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel told the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag on Sept 24.
German bishops in tug of war over blessing same-sex unions
Sep 25, 2023 / 11:23 amAhead of the bishops’ meeting several priests conducted an event blessing same-sex couples outside the iconic Cologne Cathedral.
Historic twin marches for life in Germany face disruptions and defiance
Sep 18, 2023 / 14:55 pmThe dual marches drew thousands and were met with both enthusiasm and confrontation as counterdemonstrators attempted to disrupt the events.
Swiss bishops’ study finds more than 1,000 cases of clergy sexual abuse
Sep 12, 2023 / 10:35 amThe 136-page report documents 1,002 cases of abuse since the mid-20th century involving 510 accused and 921 victims.
The rise of Javier Milei: a ‘false messiah’ in Pope Francis’ homeland?
Sep 7, 2023 / 11:00 amWhile some of the Argentinian presidential candidate’s views resonate with many Catholics, others starkly oppose the Church’s social teachings.
Cardinal blesses new German EWTN studio, highlights role in new evangelization
Aug 31, 2023 / 12:28 pmCardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, Germany, on Aug. 30 emphasized the importance of the Catholic television network EWTN.TV.
German cardinal disappointed over staff’s attempts to access pornography
Aug 21, 2023 / 11:45 am“I stand firmly with Pope Francis, who unequivocally condemns [pornography] and warns of its insidious dangers,” Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki said.
Faith meets ecology: Rosaries made from ocean plastic shine at World Youth Day
Aug 18, 2023 / 09:46 amPilgrims from Vancouver, British Columbia, handed out rosaries crafted from recycled ocean plastic to attendees of World Youth Day in Lisbon.
Marian embrace: Gänswein speaks of loneliness and solace in first public appearance
Aug 16, 2023 / 13:00 pmOn Tuesday, the former prefect of the Papal Household found himself seeking solace in a Bavarian hamlet.