Local Church•Vocations

Historic drop in priestly ordinations in Germany by 2025 (these are the 4 exceptions)

The drop in priestly ordinations is not a sudden collapse but the continuation of a trend that has been unfolding for decades. In 1962, 557 men were ordained as diocesan priests in Germany. By 2004, that number had fallen to 122. Ten years later, in 2014, it had dropped further to 75. More recently, the numbers have been even lower—33 in 2022, 35 in 2023, and now 29 in 2024.

Apr 03, 2025 18:42

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Gender Ideology

Sweden Protestants will only employ priests willing to “marry” same-sex couples

The controversy extends beyond legal arguments and touches on deep theological concerns. Historically, the Church of Sweden transitioned from blessing same-sex couples to officiating their marriages. Now, it appears poised to make officiating such unions a requirement for newly ordained clergy.

Mar 30, 2025 19:30

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Local Church

Polish Priests Triumph at European Indoor Football Championship in Hungary

“I once asked a missionary how best to bring children to Christ,” Orbán wrote in his letter, read at the awards ceremony. “He told me: ‘Throw a ball among them, play a few games, and soon you’ll be able to talk to them about God.’ Football, like the Gospel, is universal—it brings people together.”

Feb 20, 2025 18:45

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Justice and Peace•Religious Freedom

European Union could ban the number 1 Catholic app in the world: Hallow

The app, which has already been banned in China, is now at risk of being shut down in Europe due to what its founder, Alex Jones, describes as an overwhelming regulatory burden.

Feb 10, 2025 20:08

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Local Church

Bold step in Belgium: laywoman to be named in Mass canon at Masses in the capital city

The memorandum further provides detailed guidance on Alsberge’s role during liturgical celebrations. For example, when visiting parishes, Alsberge is instructed to process into the church alongside the presiding priest, sit prominently in the front row, and address the congregation at key moments—after the Gospel and before the final blessing. She also joins clergy in greeting parishioners as they leave the church.

Dec 17, 2024 22:10

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Analysis Opinion•Persecuted Christians

Hate crimes against Christians in Europe are on the rise: these are the facts

With 2,444 incidents recorded in 35 European nations in 2023, the findings reveal an alarming erosion of religious tolerance in a region celebrated as the cradle of pluralism and freedom.

Nov 20, 2024 18:35

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Local Church

Swiss Catholic Church faces a record exodus of desertions

Nearly 67,500 individuals formally renounced their membership in 2023

Nov 19, 2024 17:46

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Religious Freedom•Vatican Diplomacy

Holy See signs agreement with Czech Republic: inviolability of confession and conscientious objection guaranteed

This new accord—comprised of 16 articles— guarantees the Church’s right to preserve the confidentiality of the sacramental seal and of confidential conversations within its pastoral roles—an important affirmation of privacy rights for the faithful.

Oct 24, 2024 10:58

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Analysis Opinion•Local Church•Young People

Germany: Study Shows That Young Muslims Believe More in God Than Catholics

Not only does the study show a moving away from religion, but also a growing mistrust of religious institutions. German young people show more trust in the Government, the European Union and even banks than in Churches.

Oct 18, 2024 12:23

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Gender Ideology•Local Church

German diocese announces to indoctrinate employees in gender ideology

Additionally, a training program is being developed for diocesan employees, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to meet the pastoral needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sep 13, 2024 14:08

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Cardinals and Bishops•Vatican Diplomacy

[PHOTO GALLERY] Former private secretary of Benedict XVI begins mission as Francis’ Nuncio

Archbishop Georg Gänswein Officially Begins Role as Papal Ambassador to the Baltics

Sep 10, 2024 14:51

Joachin Meisner Hertz

Local Church•Religious Freedom

Polish Constitutional Tribunal temporarily halts reform of religion classes in schools

Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal Halts Controversial Religion Class Reforms Amid Rising Tensions

Sep 04, 2024 16:52

Joachin Meisner Hertz