In the News

February 20th, 2020

The Tablet: Amazon group says celibacy rule will be lifted

By James Roberts and Christa Pongratz-Lippitt Read the full article here Responses to the release of Pope Francis’ exhortation on the Amazon Synod, Querida Amazonia, were mostly divided between those whose hopes for major announcements on the ordination of married priests and women deacons in the region were disappointed, and those whose fears of such announcements…
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February 13th, 2020

The Tablet: Pope calls on national governments to help save Amazon

by Ruth Gledhill Read the full article here Pope Francis has set out his vision for Amazon region in a document that places the emphasis on social justice, the environment and the responsibilities of national governments worldwide to help. In his long-awaited Apostolic exhortation from last year’s Pan-Amazon Synod, Querida Amazonía, or “Beloved Amazonia”, Pope Francis…
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February 13th, 2020

America Magazine: Some disappointed, some enraptured by Pope Francis’ ‘Querida Amazonia’

Read the full article here The Women’s Ordination Conference, established in 1975, accused Pope Francis of “willfully turning his back on the calls of women for recognition of the sacramental ministries they offer the people of the Amazon and the global Church.”

February 12th, 2020

NCR: Disappointment, outrage over papal document on the Amazon

By Heidi SchlumpfNational Catholic Reporter Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the Amazon disappointed those hoping for an opening of clerical roles to married men and women, with many noting that the pope failed to extend his prophetic voice about environmental injustice to injustices in his own house, the church. Many women were especially outraged over the document’s…
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February 12th, 2020

AP: Pope Avoids Question of Married Priests in Amazon Document

By the Associated Press VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis refused Wednesday to approve the ordination of married men to address a shortage of priests in the Amazon, sidestepping a fraught issue that has dominated debate in the Catholic Church and even involved retired Pope Benedict XVI. Francis, in an eagerly awaited document, did not refer…
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February 5th, 2020

A Conversation About the Future of the Priesthood with James Carroll and Richard Gaillardetz

SAVE THE DATE: Join Catholic Organizations for Renewal as we host a conversation with author James P. Carroll and theologian Richard R. Gaillardetz about the future of the priesthood. April 23, 20207:00 p.m.Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola28 Commonwealth AvenueChestnut Hill, MA 02467 Carroll and Gaillardetz will offer two visions of the future of the…
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November 1st, 2019

A crucial connection was missed at Amazon synod

By Jamie Manson National Catholic Reporter In the final days of the Amazon synod, there was a small protest in front of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Seven members of Women’s Ordination Worldwide (WOW) held a banner the read: “Empowered women will save the church; empowered women will save the earth.” I, of course, know these women…
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October 25th, 2019

Vatican Meeting Puts Women on the Agenda, But Will Change Follow?

By Elisabetta Povoledo The New York Times ROME — The Vatican’s extraordinary three-week meeting of bishops from the Amazon region, which ends this weekend, has generated intense debate within the church over the possibility of ordaining older, married men in remote areas. But those gathered will also make important proposals about the role of the region’s women in the Roman Catholic…
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October 25th, 2019

Disgust, validation, hope: Survivors, Catholics react to report detailing 70 years of Colorado clergy sex abuse

By Elise Schmelzer The Denver Post Seeing Father George Weibel’s name printed in the newspaper Thursday brought Hazel Lorraine Kroehl back to the Broomfield swimming pool where 60 years earlier the priest abused her. Emotions flooded Kroehl. Then old shame crept up, before being washed away with gratitude. Finally, the world knew the priest for…
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October 24th, 2019

Final synod document expected to mention female deacons

By Claire Giangrave Religion News Service VATICAN CITY (RNS) – As word spread that the final document of the Amazon synod will include recommendations about the ordination of women to the diaconate, bishops involved in the synod have taken a stand asking for more female participation and leadership in the Catholic Church. Read the full…
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