Several readers, including the sharp-eyed Thomas Peters and his posse over at American Papist, noticed that one of the questions in our survey–the one on possible roles for women–did not allow for an alternative to the role of “priest” (“priestess”?) or “deaconess.” Not kosher, really. So we have added a couple possibilities, including a “none…

Interest groups are cranking up campaigns to take advantage of the publicity attending Benedict’s visit, and among them is one of the more novel approaches I’ve seen: According to a CNS story, Physicians and Nurses Against Tobacco, a U.S.-based group, is launching an on-line petition asking the pontiff to make the 108-acre Vatican the world’s…

For those of you who may not know already, if you really want to start a knock down, drag out, mud-slinging dust-up among Catholics, start a debate about LITURGY. Nothing draws attention or raises hackles as quickly, and nothing is as central to Benedict’s pontificate–or the upcoming papal visit–as the way Mass (and other liturgical…

By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY — For more than two decades, Pope Benedict XVI served as one of the closest and most influential subordinates to his predecessor, John Paul II, a relationship built on common priorities, affection and mutual respect. Only weeks after John Paul’s death in 2005, Benedict opened the…

More from Beliefnet and our partners
More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad