VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Before the speech-giving began at the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI offered participants an unusual reflection on the threat of “false gods” that beset the modern world. A participant takes a photo before the opening session of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in the synod hall at the Vatican on 11 October. Photo: CNS/Pau...

Pontifical North American College seminarians Keith D. Romke of the Diocese of Rockford, Ill., Mark R. Payton of the Archdiocese of Perth, Australia, and George K. Nixon of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., are seen after being ordained deacons in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 7. Thirty seminarians from the U.S. national seminary were ordained deacons. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) (Oct. 7...

MADRID, Spain (CNA) - The postulator of Pope John Paul II’s cause for beatification has said that the process is currently at a crucial moment as miracles attributed to the late Pontiff’s intercession are being investigated. Polish Mgr Slawomir Oder in Rome in 2007 when he gave details on the investigation into the healing of a French nun, whose spontaneous recovery from Park...

By John Thavis Catholic News Service LONDON - In a major address to British cultural and political leaders, Pope Benedict XVI warned that Christianity risks being marginalised in Western societies and said the “voice of religion” must be heard in the public square. The Pope’s 17 September speech laid out his vision of how religious belief can influence the political proce...

A poor case against Vatican power: the argument mounted by Geoffrey Robertson QC By Bishop Julian Porteous Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Geoffrey Robertson QC is well known to Australians. He is a barrister of international standing. He is also a capable media personality. On the basis of his public reputation and standing his new book, The Case of the Pope: Vatican Accountability for Human...

By Catholic News Service CARPINETO ROMANO, Italy - Every Pope and pastor of the Catholic Church is called to give his flock a concrete message, not abstract truths, that can help people put their faith into action, Pope Benedict XVI said. The Pope spoke during a brief 5 September visit to Carpineto Romano, the birthplace of Pope Leo XIII. As part of celebrations marking the 200th annivers...

By Genevieve Pollock Zenit.org PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania,  (Zenit.org) - The Theology of the Body is often seen as something for married couples, but many clergy and Religious are finding renewal in their celibate vocations through John Paul II’s teachings. A young nun holds a picture of Pope John Paul II during a meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and some 40,000 young peop...

THE foresight of the late Sr Campion Roche RSJ, who stashed Mary MacKillop’s belongings under her bed and in her cupboards for safekeeping, will be rewarded when strands of Mary’s hair taken from a locket are presented to Pope Benedict XVI as official relics during the canonisation of Australia’s first Saint. Sr Campion Roche, who had the foresight to stash Mary MacKill...

By John Thavis Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY - Throughout his five-year pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI has made some of his most interesting comments off the cuff, often during question-and-answer sessions with priests. Pope Benedict XVI ordains 14 priests for the Diocese of Rome in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on 20 June. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring His late-night...

VATICAN CITY (CWN) - It was no coincidence that the sex abuse scandal struck during a year set aside for celebration of the priesthood, Pope Benedic XVI told 15,000 priests at a Mass in St Peter’s Square concluding the Year for Priests. Priests pray during Mass celebrated by top Vatican officials at the Legionaries of Christ's Center for Higher Studies in Rome June 8. The Mass, con...