RELIGION 3 days ago Nicaragua releases Bishop Rolando Álvarez and 18 clergy members from prison after negotiations with Vatican Nicaragua's government released 19 clergy members who were incarcerated last year under the current regime's escalated crackdown on religious leaders, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa.
Africa January 11 African Catholic priests tell Pope Francis they refuse to bless same-sex couples The symposium of African national bishops conferences sent a statement to Pope Francis stating they refuse to give blessings to same-sex couples.
Pope Francis January 11 Pope hosts Marxist-Christian dialogue group at Vatican, praises cooperation 'promoting the common good' Pope Francis hosted the DIALOP transversal Dialogue Project this week, praising the group for its work fostering cooperation between European Marxists and Christian churches.
Italy January 8 Pope Francis urges universal ban on surrogate motherhood, calling it 'despicable' Pope Francis has called for a universal ban on surrogate motherhood, labeling it a "despicable" practice and a grave violation of the dignity of women and children.
Pope Francis December 25 Pope Francis laments violence in Gaza, Ukraine during annual Christmas speech, call for peace Pope Francis spoke to a crowd of roughly 6,500 in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, drawing attention to various conflicts around the world.
Roman Catholic December 23 Polish, Ukrainian bishops join growing coalition against Vatican’s same-sex blessings document Eastern European leaders in the Catholic Church join a growing front of opposition to the Vatican's document allowing blessings for same-sex couples under specific conditions.
Indiana December 21 Catholic women's college in Indiana reverses policy change allowing applicants who ‘identify as women’ The President of Saint Mary's College in Indiana reversed a policy to consider the admission of biological males who identify as women at the all-women's college.
Roman Catholic December 21 Catholic bishops around the world push back on blessings for people in same-sex relationships Individual bishops and episcopal conferences for multiple countries have spoken out in concern over the Vatican's release of a document approving of blessings for same-sex couples.
Roman Catholic December 19 Catholic Church's teaching on marriage 'has not changed' after Vatican document, US bishops say The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops clarified to U.S. faithful that the Vatican's document approving blessings for people in same-sex relationships does not change its doctrine.
RELIGION December 18 Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples Same-sex couples in the Catholic Church may now be blessed, as long as they do not mistake the ritual with the sacrament of marriage, the Vatican stated.
