Catholic Church

Russia emerges as Europe's most God-believing nation

Nearly 20 years after the collapse of the atheistic Soviet Union, a recent poll found that 82 percent of Russians classify themselves as religious believers. But far fewer subscribe to organized religion.
Facebook is fine, says Pope Benedict, but real faces are better

Social networking sites such as Facebook offer Christians a 'great opportunity' to connect, Pope Benedict said Monday, but it should 'not take the place of direct human contact.'
Russian Orthodox Church calls for dress code, says miniskirts cause 'madness'

In a sign of the growing political ambitions of the Russian Orthodox Church, a top official wants a national dress code for men and women. It would forbid men from wearing T-shirts or track suits in public. Islamic groups have come out in support of the idea.
World AIDS Day 2010: France's Carla Bruni lauds pope for condom comments

On World AIDS Day, French first lady Carla Bruni says she's 'grateful' for Pope Benedict XVI's condom statements, which are giving the Roman Catholic Church some positive attention following its devastating sex scandals.
Europe greets Pope Benedict's condom remarks as 'evolution, not revolution'

Pope Benedict's view that there might be rare cases where condom use is acceptable comes at a time when the Catholic church's image in Europe has been battered by child abuse scandals.
Catholic Church backs Muslim struggle to build Milan's first mosque

While New York frets over the construction of an Islamic cultural center and mosque near ground zero, Milan is pushing back against construction of its first mosque. Local Muslims have found an unlikely ally in the Catholic Church.
Pope Benedict XVI extends hand to a wary Britain

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Britain today for the first papal trip there since 1982. The visit is clouded by recent sex-abuse scandals and is being met with a distinct lack of reverence.
Cardinal urged Catholic sex abuse victim to keep quiet, new tapes reveal

A conversation published this weekend by Belgian media provides a rare glimpse into a transaction between church officials and victims involved in Catholic sex abuse scandals.
Pope Benedict XVI's 30-year campaign to reassert conservative Catholicism

Some believe Pope Benedict XVI is 'the greatest scholar to rule the church since [Pope] Innocent III," in the 13th century. Child-abuse scandals have marred his tenure.
Global News Blog
Dan Brown take note: Vatican's 'Secret Archives' unveiled

The Vatican Secret Archives is for the first time printing reproductions of more than 100 of its most fascinating, secret documents. Do we hear another Dan Brown novel coming?
In Latin America first, Argentina legalizes gay marriage

Argentina today became the first country in Latin America to embrace same-sex marriage nationwide. Until now, only cities had legalized such rights, as did Mexico City in December.
Cuba prisoner release: Seven 'Black Spring' dissidents are freed in Spain

Seven Cuba prisoners, all jailed in the 2003 roundup of dissidents, activists, and journalists known as 'Black Spring' arrived to freedom at the international airport in Madrid, Spain, today. Dozens more at set to be released.
Why is Cuba releasing 52 political prisoners?

Cuba says it will start releasing 52 political prisoners – the biggest release in more than a decade – today. Spain conducted the negotiations, but some Cuba analysts expect the US to respond by easing the American embargo on Cuba.
Pope Benedict blames 'sin inside the church' for Vatican woes

Pope Benedict XVI made his most direct comments to date about the sexual abuse scandals that have hit the Catholic church in Europe. He said the Vatican's problems were 'born from sin inside the church' and called for 'justice.'
Pope Benedict says Shroud of Turin authentic burial robe of Jesus

Dismissing skeptics on Sunday when he visited the Shroud of Turin, Pope Benedict XVI said the burial cloth was none other than the same robe that once 'wrapped the remains' of Jesus Christ.
Catholic sexual abuse scandal sharpens church rift over what a priest should be

Progressive Catholics and theologians in the US and Europe say the Vatican's model of a priest is outdated. The global sexual abuse scandal has sharpened the church's inner struggle over how to reform that model.
From abuse crisis, Germany's Roman Catholics seek reform

The Roman Catholic priest sex abuse crisis is prompting Germany's faithful to revisit the spiritual roots of their church.
Catholic priests and celibacy: a flashpoint in sexual abuse crisis

The No. 2 at the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, appeared Tuesday to ease the church's absolute position on celibacy for Catholic priests. The issue continues to roil the church as it confronts revelations of sexual abuse.
Catholic sex abuse scandal raising doubts for young German Catholics

In Germany, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI, the priest sex abuse scandal has shaken many young Catholics' trust in the church, if not their faith. The man who initially inspired a new 'Benedict generation' is now seen as out of touch.
Carbon offsets: How a Vatican forest failed to reduce global warming

From a scheme to create an algae bloom in the South Pacific to a Vatican forest in the plains of Hungary – how one carbon offset developer's ideas failed to reduce global warming.
Germany faces up to sexual abuse after scandals at Catholic, other schools

Allegations of sexual abuse at schools run by the Catholic and Lutheran churches, as well as at an elite secular boarding school, have put child protection at the top of the domestic agenda in Germany.
Pope Benedict calls for Catholic church penance

Pope Benedict XVI said it's 'necessary to perform penance' in response to public outrage at revelations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. But some analysts say those hoping for change are up against a deeply conservative hierarchy.
Latin America confronts sexual abuse by Catholic priests

In Latin America, the response to allegations of sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests has been muted relative to the recent firestorm in Europe. But some warn that if the matter isn't tackled head on, doubts about the Vatican could spread.
Should the Vatican have adopted US reforms on sex abuse?

Following revelations about sexual abuse, the Catholic Church in the United States adopted a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ and mandatory reporting. Could Pope Benedict XVI have avoided his current difficulties if the Vatican had taken the same path?
Catholic abuse crisis: Church hits out at critics, archbishop speaks of 'shame'

The Catholic abuse crisis swirling around the Vatican has grown this week, with a cardinal complaining about press bias and an archbishop writing of the church's 'misplaced concern about the reputation of the church.'