François Elluin, The inhabitants of Sodom provoke the divine wrath, engraving for the libertine work "Le pot pourri de Loth," 1781.

The congregation for the doctrine of the faith reprints as-is the 1986 letter on homosexuality, precisely as various governments are legalizing gay unions. The commentaries of Ratzinger and Cardinal Biffi ...

In the nineteenth century, the Catholic Church reacted to the secularist offensive in Europe with a spectacular missionary expansion on the other continents. Benedict XVI wants the miracle to be repeated today. His next voyage: to Africa

The New Evangelisation of Europe: it’s the theme of the next synod of bishops set for October 2012. It’s also the theme of the Plenary Assembly of the CCEE, the Council of European Bishops Conferences which is taking place from Thursday to Sunday in the Albanian capital, Tirana.

For the first time in the history of the former communist nation, the heads of the bishops conferences of 33 European countries will be meeting there to discuss ways of making the Church more relevant and more able to reach out to people of all backgrounds and all walks of life.

With so much talk about the increasing secularisation in European countries nowadays it may come as quite a surprise to learn that Catholic shrines in the continent are experiencing a rise in popularity. That’s the message that emerges as shrine directors from across Europe begin a meeting this week at one of England’s oldest Marian Shrines, the National Shrine of Walsingham in Norfolk. 

Tirana (Agenzia Fides) – The next Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Bishops’ conferences (CCEE) will take place, from September 29 to October 2. The central theme of the assembly will be the New Evangelization. To facilitate the discussion, CCEE has sent a questionnaire to the Bishops’ Conferences in order to collect and highlight ideas, situations and proposals, also in view of the Synod Assembly in 2012 devoted to this theme. During the Assembly, the Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe members of CCEE will elect the new CCEE Presidency for the quinquennial period 2011-2016. The second part of the meeting will focus on the presentation of the activities of the various CCEE Commissions, about CCEE’s work in the sphere of the members of ecumenical dialogue with the appointment of the members of CCEE-CEC (Conference of the European Churches) Joint Committee.

This year’s World Youth Day will take place in the Spanish capital Aug. 16-20. Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to arrive Thursday, Aug. 18. In total, he will preside at nine events with young people over four days. 

But this, the Pope’s third visit to Spain, will also have the diplomatic protocol of an official state visit. In fact the Holy Father will visit with the head of Spain, King Juan Carlos and meet with the Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

Madrid 2012 is now officially just one month away, and although over 400 thousand young people have already signed up to be there, tens of thousands more are still wondering; should I stay or should I go? 

Europeans have it easiest cost wise, no doubt contributing to the high percentage of Italians, French and German who top the list as the most numerous groups. The Churches’ of Africa and Asia will be represented by smaller groups, despite the fact they are home to the some of the most vibrant, fastest growing and youngest communities.

Pope Benedict XVI appealed for the victims of piracy today, saying he hopes all those taken on the high seas will receive humane and respectful treatment, and praying that the families of those being held remain strong in the faith, and not lose the hope that they will see their loved ones again soon. The Pope’s appeal was just one of the ways in which the Holy Father marked this Sunday’s World Maritime Day, organized by the Apostleship of the Sea each year to draw attention to the spiritual, moral and material challenges facing seafarers and their families.

Zero Poverty

A year of combating poverty

In recent months, the economic crisis has shattered the world. Millions of people have lost their jobs. Forecasts indicate that the crisis is not yet over. For poor people, this means even harder times and extreme anxiety about the future: hunger and the fear of becoming homeless are real concerns for many.

Caritas is helping. And with its Zero Poverty campaign, it is asking men, women, young people and children in Europe and the rest of the world to make a commitment to people in need. Our vision is Zero Poverty. No one should live in poverty.

A strong common effort to bridge the gap between rich and poor is needed from those in positions of political responsibility, society as a whole and each and every one of us. Only a combined effort will make it possible for people in dire need to escape their difficult circumstances and find hope for themselves again. 

Change is possible. Poverty is not inevitable. Caritas demonstrates this every day through its work and its initiatives.

The good news is that anyone can help to make the ZERO POVERTY vision a reality. You can find out how on their website.