Switzerland

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Chief Puttany of the Yawanawa tribe performed a shamanic ritual at the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos, Switzerland.

Shamanic ritual at World Economic Forum: ‘What spirit rules in Davos?’ priest asks

Jan 18, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

As part of a WEF plenary session on Wednesday, Chieftess Putanny Yawanawá of the Amazonian Yawanawá tribe performed a shamanic... Read more

Tia, Miriam, Emanuel, and Josias (left to right) from the St. Lorenz Catholic Parish in Kempten, Diocese of Augsburg, Germany, December 2023.

Thousands of ‘Star Singers’ continue tradition of bringing Christ’s blessings for new year

Dec 31, 2023

By Emma Silvestri

Every year in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, thousands of children go from door to door dressed as the three Wise... Read more

Aerial view of Saint-Maurice Abbey in the Valais region of Switzerland, Sept. 20, 2023.

Oldest monastery in the West was built on the spot of St. Maurice’s martyrdom

Sep 22, 2023

By Anna Kurian

The Abbey of Saint-Maurice in Switzerland is the oldest monastery in the West to have remained in continuous operation since... Read more

The Swiss bishops' call for adherence to Catholic "rules" followed an internet controversy over an August 2022 video of a laywoman who seemed to concelebrate Mass with priests.

Swiss bishop reprimands clergy after viral video of woman ‘concelebrating’ Mass

Sep 11, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

The laywoman stood at the altar in ordinary dress, with two priests beside her. She extended her arms and pronounced... Read more

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lungern, Switzerland

Vatican investigating Swiss bishops’ handling of sex abuse cases

Sep 11, 2023

By Daniel Payne

The primary purpose of the investigation is “the accusations of covering up cases of abuse,” the Swiss Bishops’ Conference announced. Read more

Bishop Valerio Lazzeri speaking in a video message for Easter, April 2022

Swiss bishop resigns at age 59 due to ‘inner fatigue’

Oct 10, 2022

By AC Wimmer

“I tell you this with an open heart: I can no longer imagine being in the position I have tried... Read more

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lungern, Switzerland

Swiss bishops' Synod report: Catholic Church denies equality to women and excludes LGBT people

Aug 16, 2022

By AC Wimmer

The Swiss Bishops' Conference's report from the Synod says the Catholic Church was seen as suffering from clericalism as well... Read more

Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of Chur, Switzerland.

Catholic priests criticize new code of conduct in Swiss diocese as ‘attempt to implant LGBT ideology’

Apr 29, 2022

By CNA Staff

Chur Bishop Joseph Bonnemain said the code would be ‘binding for all leaders and employees.’ Read more

Mass is celebrated at the St. Pierre Cathedral in Switzerland on March 5, 2022.

First Mass since Reformation celebrated at Swiss cathedral

Mar 10, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The last Mass at St. Pierre Cathedral was in 1535. Read more

Russian Orthodox leader Metropolitan Hilarion speaks at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 6, 2021.

Ukraine war: Metropolitan Hilarion suspended from post at Swiss university

Mar 10, 2022

By CNA Staff

Metropolitan Hilarion is one of the most prominent figures in the Russian Orthodox Church. Read more

The flag of Switzerland.

Switzerland’s Catholic Church approves independent abuse study

Dec 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

The project will begin in March 2022. Read more

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, pictured in 2010.

Benedict XVI marks 10th anniversary of Orthodox leader’s death

Nov 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Metropolitan Damaskinos wrote numerous works on ecumenism. Read more

Same-sex wedding cake.

Swiss voters back same-sex marriage

Sep 27, 2021

By CNA Staff

Around 64% of voters approved the measure. Read more

Bishop Charles Morerod, O.P., of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg.

Swiss Catholic bishop appoints lay people in place of episcopal vicars

May 27, 2021

By CNA Staff

Bishop Charles Morerod has chosen two lay people and a deacon as his “lay representatives.” Read more

Same-sex wedding cake.

Swiss campaigners secure same-sex marriage referendum

Apr 29, 2021

More than 61,000 signatures were collected in favor of giving Switzerland’s 8.5 million population a final say on the law. Read more

Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of Chur, Switzerland.

Catholic bishop defends giving Communion to Protestant representatives at installation Mass

Mar 26, 2021

A Catholic bishop in Switzerland has defended giving Holy Communion to two Protestant church representatives and a Protestant politician at... Read more

Swiss voters narrowly back ban on burqa, niqab as religious leaders voice concern

Mar 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a proposal to religious facial coverings in public nationwide. Though the move will affect a... Read more

Bishop-elect Joseph Bonnemain of Chur, Switzerland. Credit: Diocese of Chur.

Pope Francis asks new bishop of divided Swiss diocese to serve for at least five years

Feb 23, 2021

Pope Francis has asked the new bishop of a divided Swiss diocese to remain in the post for at least... Read more

Chur Cathedral in Switzerland. Credit: Adrian Michael (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Pope Francis ends deadlock over new bishop for Swiss diocese

Feb 16, 2021

Pope Francis on Monday ended the deadlock over the appointment of a new bishop in a historic Swiss diocese that... Read more

Bishop Denis Theurillat, auxiliary bishop of Basel, Switzerland, from 2000 to 2021. Credit: Diocese of Basel.

Pope Francis accepts resignation of bishop who called for council to discuss women priests

Feb 9, 2021

Pope Francis on Monday accepted the resignation of a Swiss bishop who recently called for a council to discuss women... Read more