Recent Editorial

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  The world embraces Beirut, ending Lebanon’s isolation

  Aug 08, 2020

  August fourth’ horrific explosions, which hit half of Lebanon’s capital, took place in a country hitherto under regional and global isolation with a government scorned by the international community, suffering from rampant corruption, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of the embargo on Syria.

  
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  Citing COVID and bushfires, Australian bishops urge mental health focus

  Aug 08, 2020

  In the latter half of 2019 and the first few months of 2020, Australia contended with massive, devastating bushfires that burned more than 45 millions of acres of land and directly killed 34 people, with an estimated 400 or more additional people killed due to smoke inhalation.

  
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  Sinicization seminar divides priests in China’s Shandong

  Aug 01, 2020

  Catholic officials in Shandong province are planning a symposium to explain the Sinicization of the Chinese Church, but not all are happy.

  
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  The development of doctrine is fidelity in newness

  Aug 01, 2020

  Certain doctrinal criticisms of the current pontificate show a gradual but increasingly clear-cut separation from the Vatican II Council — not from a certain interpretation of some texts, but from the Council texts themselves.

  
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  Is 2020 already over for the Vatican?

  Jul 25, 2020

  “When the history of Pope Francis’ time as Bishop of Rome is finally written, there is a good chance that the Year of Our Lord 2020 will be recorded as the most important of his entire pontificate.”

  
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  Can religion hold a dialogue with communism?

  Jul 25, 2020

  An agreement China and the Vatican signed in September 2018 is nearing the end of its two-year term. Media reports suggest that the two sides will return to the negotiation table this month.

  
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  Felling statues raises deeper questions

  Jul 18, 2020

  The most evident aspect of burning, decapitating or drowning statues is that it is an expression of enthusiasm, and is enormously enjoyable for those who take part in it. It is a symbol of radical change, and channels anger at a resented past into joy at the inauguration of a new age.

  
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  Deadline looms for Vatican-China deal renewal

  Jul 18, 2020

  Officials of the Vatican and Communist-ruled China are just two months away from the end of the two-year-long deal they signed in September 2018 on bishops' appointments in China. Yet, they have reportedly not met since last November.

  
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  Against religious nationalism

  Jul 11, 2020

  In some countries a form of religious-cultural nationalism is back in vogue. Religion is exploited both to obtain popular support and to launch a political message that is identified with people’s loyalty and devotion to a nation.

  
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  The development of doctrine is fidelity in newness

  Jul 11, 2020

  Certain critiques of the current pontificate challenge the Second Vatican Council and end up forgetting the Magisterium of Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI.