A “synodality” that fails to convince: the best-articulated doubts of bishops and cardinals who are speaking out and appealing to Pope Leo XIV

Aug 19, 2026 21:51

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Auxiliary Bishop Rob Mutsaerts of 's-Hertogenbosch has put the question most bluntly.

Sovereign Order of the Temple of Christ Association

Cardinals and Bishops

German bishop defies the Vatican’s ban on the homily, without claiming the right to violate it

Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz says he will not authorize lay preaching during the Mass. But he also says he will not discipline parishes where the practice continues, even though Rome has recently reaffirmed that the homily is reserved to priests and deacons

Aug 17, 2026 18:22

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Local Church•Protection of vulnerable people

Alleged victims of abuse are seeking compensation from Church parishes, including churches and their assets

The ruling does not transfer a single parish building or bank account to abuse claimants. Instead, Bankruptcy Judge Heather Cooper has authorized them to bring what the court calls an adversary proceeding to establish whether properties belonging to nearly 70 parishes can legally be reached by creditors

Aug 17, 2026 18:14

ZENIT Staff

Good News•Local Church•Virgin Mary

In videos and photos: Here’s a look at Europe’s tallest new Marian monument

On August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, the Church inaugurated a 55.6-metre statue of Our Lady of Mercy, now regarded as the tallest Marian monument in Europe

Aug 17, 2026 17:28

ZENIT Staff

Rome

Rome, A City Pilgrimaged Also with the Voice: Pilgrims Arrive in the Eternal City to Pray, Sing, and Place Their Talents at the Service of the Church

Music has become one of the expressions of this new way of making a pilgrimage. During this summer, various choral groups have arrived in Rome not only to visit its Basilicas and Holy Sites but also to sing in them and participate in the liturgical life of the Church.

Aug 17, 2026 17:15

Alma Recinas

Analysis Opinion•Marriage and Family

A Man’s Brain Changes (For the Better) When He Becomes a Father: Findings Revealed by the Nature Review

Certain ideological stances portray the father as merely an «accessory figure,» reducing his importance to social factors alone. Research concludes that «the transition to fatherhood marks one of the most transformative periods in human life, requiring fathers to adapt to a new, lifelong role.» What is the basis for this claim?

Aug 17, 2026 17:10

Rafael Llanes

15,000 police officers, 2,500 journalists… the surprising numbers (challenges and opportunities) surrounding the Pope’s visit to France

Leo XIV Heads to France as a Quiet Religious Revival Meets a Country in Search of Common Ground

Stephen Colbert and Scott Brick will narrate the first English-language audiobook by Pope Leo XIV

The collection also shows a future Pope addressing a world already marked by the tensions that would later become familiar features of his pontificate: the consequences of September 11, political ideologies, poverty, conflict and questions surrounding human rights. The publisher presents these writings as an opportunity to see the reasoning behind some of Prevost’s contemplative responses to those challenges

A “synodality” that fails to convince: the best-articulated doubts of bishops and cardinals who are speaking out and appealing to Pope Leo XIV

AI and materials analysis offer new insights into the Qumran scrolls

Poland Says No to EU on Gay: President Vetoes Bill That Equates Same-Sex Unions With Marriage

US Takes Lead in Global Pro-Life Coalition

Pope Leo XIV Sued in Spanish Courts: The Case of the “Templars” Seeking Ecclesiastical Rehabilitation… and Money

Is There an Absolute Right to a Catholic Funeral? Bishop Responds with Guidelines for His Diocese

Historic: The Vatican Will Participate in the Mediterranean “Olympics” (competing against 26 countries in 4 sports)

German bishop defies the Vatican’s ban on the homily, without claiming the right to violate it

Alleged victims of abuse are seeking compensation from Church parishes, including churches and their assets

In videos and photos: Here’s a look at Europe’s tallest new Marian monument

Rome, A City Pilgrimaged Also with the Voice: Pilgrims Arrive in the Eternal City to Pray, Sing, and Place Their Talents at the Service of the Church

A Man’s Brain Changes (For the Better) When He Becomes a Father: Findings Revealed by the Nature Review