By electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the College of Cardinals has sent a subtle but unmistakable message: The Catholic Church will continue the reformist energy of Pope Francis, but with a fresh calibration toward tradition and doctrinal clarity. In Prevost, the cardinals have chosen both an insider and an outsider—someone rooted...
Tag: Catholic Church
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The big question at the conclave: the pope and the Church we should have
As the Vatican’s College of Cardinals gears for the conclave to choose the next pope, the Christian world is rife with speculation as to who will be chosen. The names of “frontrunners” are bandied about, often briefly described as either “conservative” or “progressive” (like the late Pope Francis). Observers also remind us that the next...
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Pope Francis of the streets personifies ‘the Church which goes forth’
ROME—As soon as news of Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday broke, many people from all walks of life flocked to the Vatican to pay their last respects to the beloved shepherd. The streets of Rome erupted in a frenzy as traffic snarled along the long lines of Via della Conciliazione, with priests and nuns...
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Pope Francis’ funeral is a simplified but still grand celebration of a pastor and disciple of Jesus
Till the end, Francis wished to keep to the simple style he had set for his papacy. On March 13, 2013, after his election as pope, he broke with tradition when he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica wearing a plain white cassock. He had chosen not to wear the traditional red ermine-trimmed...
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When the Pope and priests wear pink
“Gracia” was dismayed to see the parish priest wearing pink while celebrating Sunday Mass. She said a priest should be neutral and not openly declare himself a “kakampink” (literally, pro-pink), a supporter of then presidential candidate Leni Robredo. Pink was then the campaign color of choice of Robredo and her supporters. Was the parish priest a “kakampink”?...
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Edcel Lagman sees smooth sailing of divorce bill in 19th Congress
The prime mover of the divorce bill in Congress is making a bold prediction: The predominantly Catholic Philippines will soon and finally join the rest of the world in making divorce possible for troubled married couples. “I’m confident that as the sun rises tomorrow this bill will be enacted into law,” said Albay Rep. Edcel...