Analysis Opinion

Ecclesiology today: the crisis of Christianity and what we need now

In a homily delivered in 1959 a young Fr. Joseph Ratzinger described the first Christmas day as the “winter solstice of world history.” Christ is something more than another moral teacher or celebrity philanthropist and his Church—including the priesthood, the Petrine Office, and the episcopacy—is a sacred institution, not another multinational welfare agency.

Nov 10, 2024 20:51

ZENIT Staff

Causes of Saints•Dicasteries•Ecumenism•Pope Francis

Ecumenism: Pope Francis includes Isaac of Nineveh in Roman Martyrology – Context? Visit of Assyrian East Patriarch

The inclusion of Isaac the Syrian in the Roman Martyrology proves that holiness did not stop with separations and exists across denominational boundaries. As the Second Vatican Council declared: ‘It is right and salutary to recognize the riches of Christ and virtuous works in the lives of others who are bearing witness to Christ, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood.’ (Unitatis Redintegratio 4).

Nov 10, 2024 20:47

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace

Israel’s Ban on UNRWA Sparks International Outcry, Raises Alarm for Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder reports that over 2,400 children urgently need medical care, but daily evacuations are now down to a trickle, with fewer than one child per day able to leave. Elder pointed to the severe conditions for Gaza’s youth: head trauma, amputations, severe malnutrition, and cancer cases remain untreated, as Israel provides no explanation for blocking their exit. He added, “Children are dying in Gaza not only from bombs and bullets but from the lack of access to lifesaving care. They survive the explosions, only to be trapped, unable to receive medical attention.”

Nov 10, 2024 20:44

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis•Young People

Pope Francis: “Uniservitate responds in a consistent way to the intentions of the Global Compact on Education”

He made this statement during a private audience with prominent authorities, educators, researchers, and the winners of the Uniservitate 2024 Award. In this context, Pope Francis highlighted the pedagogical method of service-learning developed by Uniservitate (CLAYSS).

Nov 10, 2024 20:38

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

Pope appoints new preacher: Father Raniero Cantalamessa retires after 44 years as Vatican preacher

Pope Francis selected Pasolini to succeed Cantalamessa as the Preacher to the Papal Household, entrusting him with the weighty task of guiding the Curia’s spiritual reflections during the key liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Known for his dynamic involvement in pastoral work, Father Pasolini brings his own unique background to the role.

Nov 10, 2024 20:33

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Persecuted Christians

Nicaragua Intensifies Crackdown on Catholic Church, Blocking Priests from Administering Last Rites

The right to receive spiritual care in times of illness and death is considered by many a fundamental one, and the government’s recent prohibitions have sparked concern worldwide over the trajectory of religious rights under the Ortega administration.

Nov 08, 2024 15:21

ZENIT Staff

Local Church•Testimonies

Australian Catholic University awards honorary doctorate to Grand Master of the Order of Malta

At the end of the lectio magistralis, in which the Grand Master said he was honoured by the recognition bestowed on him by one of the elite top 5% universities globally, the official ceremony of conferring an honorary doctorate was held.

Nov 08, 2024 15:16

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

Colombia: Bombing destroys bishops’ residence and offices in Apostolic Vicariate of Guapi

The explosion left the Church buildings “practically destroyed, tearing down walls, doors, windows and the ceiling of the curia and of the bishops’ house, leaving them in ruins,” said Fr Arnulfo Moreno Quiñonez, the provicar of Guapi, who expressed his grief for the loss of human life and the effect of the explosion on the local community.

Nov 08, 2024 14:30

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis•Vocations•Young People

Pope to seminarians in Toledo: the 3 vicinities, how they genuflect and the fundamental elements of the priesthood

Pope Francis Encourages Seminarian Brotherhood and Closeness During Audience with Seminarians from Toledo Ecclesiastical Province

Nov 07, 2024 22:46

ZENIT Staff

Homosexuality•Local Church

South Korea: more than one million people in the streets against homosexual “marriage”

The Korea Herald described the rally as “one of the largest religious gatherings in the country’s history.” It was organized by Christian groups, the Council of Presbyterian Churches and the United Christian Churches of Korea.

Nov 07, 2024 22:40

ZENIT Staff

Homosexuality

US Elections 2024: gay “marriage” passes the California and Colorado Constitutions

Marriage Equality Gains New Ground as California, Colorado, and Possibly Hawaii Repeal Traditional Marriage Definitions

Nov 07, 2024 22:32

ZENIT Staff

Local Church

Canadian Christian Leaders Rally Against Rising Antisemitism in Landmark Declaration

Launched on September 23, the declaration has quickly gained traction, amassing signatures from 720 Christian leaders across Canada, tripling Bennett’s initial goal of 250. Bennett celebrated the unexpected response, writing, «I had hoped for 250 signatures… In the end, 720 of you signed and sent a powerful message of solidarity to our Jewish neighbors.»

Nov 07, 2024 22:11

ZENIT Staff