Topic: The Roman Catholic Church

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What were they reading?: Bestsellers from 1930-2000

Here's a sampling of No. 1 bestsellers from the past eight decades – all worthy additions to this summer's reading list.

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Ex-Vatican bank officials allowed money laundering, say prosecutors

Prosecutors suspect two former Vatican bank executives of laundering money, based on incomplete data on bank transfers that prosecutors say violated money laundering laws.
Global News Blog Pope, UN crack down on church child abuse (+video)

Pope Francis has strengthened church laws against child abuse, while a UN committee investigates the Vatican's handling of abuse allegations.
Pope Francis greets immigrants, blasts indifference over migration deaths

On Pope Francis's first visit outside Rome, to a tiny Sicilian island that is the primary point of entry into Europe for African migrants, Pope Francis challenged everyone to take responsibility for the migrants' desperation, urging them not to have 'anesthesia of the heart.'
What were they reading?: Bestsellers from 1930-2000

Here's a sampling of No. 1 bestsellers from the past eight decades – all worthy additions to this summer's reading list.
Vatican approves second miracle, clears Pope John Paul II for sainthood

The Vatican announced Pope John Paul II has cleared the final obstacle to sainthood, a second miracle, and now awaits just final approval from Pope Francis and a date for the ceremony.
Vatican sex abuse scandal: Priests paid to leave

Vatican sex abuse scandal: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of Milwaukee at the time, oversaw a Vatican plan to pay some priests accused of sex abuse to leave the priesthood, according to documents released Tuesday.
Vatican no-show: Pope Francis skips gala concert, shocking cardinals

The day before the concert, Pope Francis said bishops should be 'close to the people' and not have 'the mentality of a prince.'
As Spain's people drift from Catholic Church, government cozies up

Spain's conservative government is considering dramatic restrictions on abortion and has already increase the Catholic Church's role in education, revealing a divided society.
Pope Francis confirms 'gay lobby' in confidential meeting

In a private meeting, Pope Francis said a 'gay lobby' was at work at the Vatican, which appears to confirm rumors swirling at the time of Benedict's resignation.
Olive Press Ultra-Orthodox insider invites outsiders in through the big screen

Director Rama Burshtein's film is a rare insider's look at Israel's ultra-Orthodox, without criticism or obsessing about what sets them apart.
Boy Scouts vote on allowing openly gay scouts

The Boy Scouts of America local troop leaders will vote Thursday on allowing openly gay boys to participate in the organization. The proposal, however, includes continuing a ban on gay scout leaders.
With conservative Islamists in power, blasphemy cases surge in Egypt

Accusations of blasphemy, a criminal offense under Egypt's new Islamist-backed constitution, have been leveled more frequently against writers, activists, and Christians in recent months.
Cardinal: Sexual misconduct behind his departure from Scotland

Cardinal sexual misconduct: Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned as archbishop after admitting to sexual misconduct, is leaving Scotland for "spiritual renewal, prayer and penance."
Will Dan Brown's 'Inferno' be heavenly for Dante and Florence?

Some scholars welcome the attention that 'The Da Vinci Code' author's latest novel will likely bring to famed Florentine poet Dante – but others warn that Mr. Brown's conspiracies come with a price.
Is there a God? The Vatican invites Mexicans to discuss.

The Vatican's first Courtyard of the Gentiles event outside Europe takes place in Mexico this week. The number of Mexicans who say they are 'nonreligious' jumped by 56 percent between 2000 and 2010.
Pope Francis to visit Brazilian slum, prisoners, AIDS patients: Why?

The Pope is taking only one international trip this year: to Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, where he will visit slums, prisons, and hospitals treating AIDS patients as well as more popular destinations.
Former Italian premier Giulio Andreotti dies, state TV says

Giulio Andreotti, who helped Italy rebuild after World War II, passed away Monday. Andreotti served in the Italian parliament for six decades and as premier for seven terms.
Ex-Pope Benedict returns to Vatican, welcomed by his successor Francis

Benedict XVI moved back to the Vatican on Thursday to live out retirement as neighbors with ruling Pope Francis for the first time. 'He is happy to be back at the Vatican ... where he intends to dedicate himself to the service of the Church, above all with prayer,' a Vatican statement said.
Global News Blog How native Americans hid in the Vatican for more than 500 years

While cleaning a Vatican fresco, restoration experts found what may be the first-ever depiction of the native Americans Columbus encountered in the New World.
Team of rivals: Italy, finally, forms new government (+video)

Center-left leader Enrico Letta will be Italy's new prime minister, after his party formed a coalition government with former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservatives.
Pope Francis plans to visit Assisi, home of St. Francis

Pope Francis took his name in recognition of Saint Francis, best known for his work with the poor and his love of animals.
Pope Francis on abortion, gay marriage, priestly sex abuse, and more

Pope Francis tackled many hot-button issues before being elected pope: The practice of shuffling pedophile priests was 'stupid,' feminism is 'machismo in skirts,' priestly celibacy 'could change,' and more.
Boy Scouts gay ban: Leaders propose lifting gay ban for youth

Boy Scouts of America's executive committee, after surveying it's million-member community, drafted a resolution proposing to remove the ban on gay youth while keeping it for all adult leaders.
Global News Blog New Zealand becomes first country in Asia-Pacific to legalize same-sex marriage

The change in New Zealand's law could pressure neighbors such as Australia to consider revising their laws.
Pope: Crackdown on nuns in US reaffirmed

The Vatican last year imposed an overhaul of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious after determining the sisters took positions that undermined Catholic teaching on the priesthood and homosexuality while promoting 'radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith.'