CATHOLIC CHURCH
Paris Olympics ceremony: 'Last Supper' sketch never meant to disrespect, say organisers
Paris 2024 organisers issued an apology to upset Catholics and Christian groups over a controversial Olympic Games opening ceremony segment resembling "The Last Supper." Featuring drag queens and a naked singer as Dionysus, the portrayal sparked criticism from religious communities. The artistic director clarified the scene was not inspired by the biblical painting and aimed to promote tolerance. The incident highlighted France's blend of secularism, anti-clericalism, and freedom of speech.
Olympics 2024 opening ceremony 'Last Supper' act sparks controversy, Elon Musk, Catholic church react sharply
Olympics 2024 opening ceremony act has drawn sharp reactions from Elon Musk, right-wing politicians.
New Zealand to apologise after inquiry finds 2 lakh children and vulnerable adults abused in care
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologized after an inquiry revealed 200,000 children and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over 70 years. Nearly one-third faced abuse from 1950-2019. The report, detailing severe abuses and calling it a national disgrace, may lead to billions in compensation.
And here's another God-given politician
Presidential candidate Joe Biden made a controversial statement about staying in the race even if God told him to drop out. This has sparked discussions about the role of religion in politics and decision-making. It remains to be seen how this will impact voter perceptions.
G7 Summit: Pope Francis calls for ban on use of 'lethal autonomous weapons'
Pope Francis, in his address at the G7 leaders' Summit in Italy, emphasized the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and called for a ban on 'lethal autonomous weapons'. The 87-year-old pontiff, attending his first Group of Seven meeting, highlighted the importance of human judgment in decision-making, cautioning against a future where people are reliant on machines for choices that impact their lives.
Modi's Cabinet: George Kurien's ministership an honour of original faithful
George Kurien, a dyed-in-the-wool BJP man from Kerala, has been chosen as a minister in the third Modi government. He has been unwaveringly loyal to the BJP since his student days, working to advance the party in Kerala against the Congress and Left tides.
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Pope used vulgar Italian word to refer to LGBT people, Italian newspapers report
Pope Francis used a derogatory term towards the LGBT community in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops, stating that gay people should not be priests, as reported by Italian media.
Pakistan: Christians take to streets to protest against yet another mob attack over blasphemy
Angry members of the Christian community took to the streets in protest after a Muslim mob attacked a Christian factory owner in Punjab's Sargodha district for alleged blasphemy, Union of Catholic Asian News reported. The incident occurred on May 25 when an angry mob assaulted a Christian person, vandalized his house, and torched properties in Mujahid Colony in Sargodha, Punjab province in Pakistan.
'God's influencer' UK teen Carlo Acutis set to become Catholic Church's first millennial saint
Carlo Acutis, a UK-born teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, is set to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. Known as "God's influencer," Acutis used his tech skills to spread the church's teachings online. His path to sainthood was marked by two miracles, including a Brazilian boy's recovery from a rare disease and a university student's miraculous recovery after a brain injury. Pope Francis approved these miracles, paving the way for Acutis' canonisation.
Statue weeping blood or vision of Mother Mary: Vatican issues revised guidelines. Know in detail
The Vatican has said that there is nothing about the event that is contrary to the faith, and therefore Catholics can express devotion to it. But it is not the business of the church to authenticate inexplicable events.
Who is Harrison Butker? Why has he criticized Pride Month, gay rights and ridiculed pop icon Taylor Swift?
Known for his conservative Catholic beliefs, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has once again hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. He has criticized Pride Month, and gay rights and ridiculed pop icon Taylor Swift, his teammate Travis Kelce’s girlfriend.
Reality check: Leo Varadkar's downfall shows dangers of politics driven by symbolism
Varadkar was path-breaking. Being one of the first biracial leaders in Europe may not seem special with the UK, Scotland and Wales, now all led by non-white men. But in a wider European context, where Hungary's Viktor Orban made a speech in 2022 against 'race-mixing', Ireland's easy acceptance of Varadkar was significant.
Cillian Murphy tackles Irish 'shame' with Berlin fest opener
After a press preview, Murphy told reporters that recounting the crimes against women committed in institutions run by the Roman Catholic Church was crucial in a society that had still not fully come to grips with the scandal.
Catholic priests in Shillong permitted to bless same-sex couples without any church ceremony
Catholic priests in Shillong have been granted permission to bless same-sex couples without a formal church ceremony. Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh announced the declaration "Fiducia Supplicans," issued by the Catholic Church on December 18, 2023, and approved by Pope Francis.
Faith is traditional, and yet, it moves
On Monday, Pope Francis officially approved the blessing of same-sex couples, signaling a move towards greater inclusivity within the Catholic Church while maintaining its ban on gay marriage. The pope's decision, emphasizing a more expansive definition of a 'couple,' reflects a gradualist approach to reforming traditional institutions from within.
Mixed reactions emerge following Pope's decision on same-sex marriage blessings
Pope Francis' decision allowing blessings for same-sex couples sparked contrasting reactions. Advocates celebrated it as a step towards LGBTQ inclusion, while conservative Catholics expressed disappointment, citing conflict with Church doctrine. The decree permits blessings but avoids mirroring marriage rites. Despite aligning with the Pope's vision, concerns exist within the clergy regarding potential conflicts in interpretation. This move reflects a shift in Church perspectives on LGBTQ matters, signaling progress while acknowledging the ongoing journey towards complete inclusivity.
Singer Sabrina Carpenter's 'Feather' music video sparks controversy over use of NY Catholic church setting
The video features controversial scenes, including instances of inappropriate behaviour and grisly deaths.
Why has Pope removed US conservative bishop Strickland
In a rare move, Pope Francis removes Bishop Joseph Strickland from his post in Tyler, Texas. The 65-year-old bishop, a vocal critic of the pontiff, faces scrutiny as the Vatican appoints an interim administrator amid ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church.
Maintain a balance between faith and fun
Britain also lays claim to Halloween; even the practice of pumpkin jack o'lanterns is said to have evolved from the earlier tradition of carving turnips in the UK to scare off ghouls. However, Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night had been the main autumn celebration in the UK for the longest time.
Origin of Halloween: How this Celtic pagan harvest festival turned into major holiday in US
The origins of this beloved spooky festival actually go back a thousand years and are rooted in pagan tradition! It's widely celebrated on October 31st, with people embracing costumes, haunted tales, and the spirit of the supernatural.
Pope Francis says priesthood exclusive to men, can’t alter traditions for women
In a recent release, Pope Francis reaffirmed the long-standing doctrine of the Catholic Church, asserting that the ordination of women as priests is not within the Church's teachings.
Pope Francis opens door to blessing same-sex couples in Catholic Church
Pope Francis has hinted at the possibility of the Catholic Church offering blessings to same-sex couples, stating that requests should be approached with "pastoral charity." However, the Church still views same-sex relationships as "objectively sinful" and does not recognize same-sex marriages. This change in tone reflects the Pope's efforts to use more compassionate language on topics related to sexuality.
San Francisco Catholic Archdiocese files for bankruptcy amid abuse lawsuits
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has declared bankruptcy due to over 500 sexual abuse lawsuits, aiming to manage assets of $100M-$500 million. Similar actions have taken place across Catholic dioceses in the U.S., grappling with historic abuse revelations. Lawyers anticipate a swift resolution hinging on transparency and insurer negotiations, as past cases resulted in substantial settlements.
Holy Mass row: Papal delegate warns of canonical punishment against disobedient priests
Cracking the whip, a representative of the Vatican on Thursday issued a stern warning to priests who oppose the implementation of uniformity in celebrating Holy Mass in churches under the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and said disobedience will invite canonical punishment.
The art of protest: Portuguese street artist makes a statement against Pope's visit costs with massive banknote carpet
Portuguese street artist Bordalo II has staged a protest against the state and Catholic Church's investment in Pope Francis' participation in World Youth Day, an event expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of young Catholics. The artist broke into a venue the pontiff is intending to use for a Lisbon mass and rolled out a carpet of giant €500 notes, estimated to have cost €161m ($179) to stage.
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor passes away, know why she tore up Pope John Paul II’s picture
Do you know why did Irish Singer Sinead O’Connor tear a picture of Pope John Paul II? Know in detail.
Pope in ''good general condition'' after surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue, repair hernia
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, director of abdominal and endocrine sciences who performed the surgery, said the operation was a success and that Francis was suffering from no other pathologies, that the tissue removed was benign and that after he recovers, he should be fine.
Pope Francis allows women to vote at upcoming bishops' meeting
Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops, an historic reform that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church.
Sex is a 'beautiful thing', Pope Francis says in documentary
"Sex is one of the beautiful things that God has given to the human person," he said in the documentary. "To express yourself sexually is a richness. So anything that detracts from real sexual expression lessens you and depletes this richness," he said, referring to masturbation.
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