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Church in Philippines emerges as strongest opposition party

Since tough-talking President Rodrigo Duterte swept to power last summer, estimates are that almost 8,000 people have been killed in violence triggered by the war on drugs, mostly young males in slum neighborhoods. Catholic bishops have become the leaders of the opposition, and signs point to an escalating struggle over the country's future.

Explaining papal calm on security, plus a note on the convert debate

In the wake of the latest spike in violence across Europe, the Vatican says it's not taking extra security precautions, in part because safeguards were already "very strong." Popes often feel a greater degree of calm about their safety than other public figures, because, let's face it, from their point of view, they've got the ultimate safety net.

Logo for Pope Francis's pending trip to Peru features "United by Hope"
- Crux Staff
- August 19, 2017
On Saturday the Vatican released the official logo for Pope Francis’s upcoming January 2018 visit to Peru, the fifth most populous Latin American nation. It features an image of Francis over a map of the country, symbolizing his “closeness”, hands raised in prayer, praise and joy for the visit, as well as the trip’s motto, “United by Hope.”
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Evangelical advisers stay with Trump as others criticize him
- Associated Press
- August 19, 2017
In the midst of the criticism of President Trump from his fellow Republicans and the resignations of his advisory councils in the wake of his response to the violence in Charlottesville last week, there is one group that has stood by him. His group of evangelical advisers has lost only one member. The rest are steadfast in their support and defense.
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Being legally blind doesn't hinder Catholic priest in serving his flock
- Anthony Salamone
- August 19, 2017
Father Bernard J. Ezaki is legally blind, but the lack of vision has never slowed him down. As a kid he told his parents, the late Dr. Toshio and Mary Ezaki, he wanted to become a priest because he thought they worked only on Sundays. In high school and college, he says, he began seriously considering the priesthood.
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Thousands of faith leaders ask Congress to protect Johnson Amendment
- Adelle M. Banks
- August 19, 2017
During his campaign and in February once in office, President Trump promised to “destroy” the Johnson Amendment and “allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear.” Many religious leaders are opposed to the removal of the Amendment saying it would have a detrimental effect on them.
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The next bishop of Raleigh is from Latin America — like many in his flock
- Yonat Shimron
- August 19, 2017
The south has a growing Catholic population, and many of these Catholics are Spanish speaking so the new bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina who is originally from Colombia, Luis Rafael Zarama, will be very welcome. One immigrant from Mexico says with this new bishop, “We can experience the love of God having someone understand what our hearts and souls are in need of.”
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Vatican delegate: Every indication Medjugorje will be recognized, perhaps later this year
- Crux Staff
- August 19, 2017
Archbishop Henryk Hoser, sent by Pope Francis to study the pastoral situation in Medjugorje, said ministry at the site of the apparition was proper and consistent with the doctrine and teaching of the Church; as well as being effective and well organized.
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Pope in Myanmar won't be judged by crowds or speeches, but results
- Crux Staff
- August 19, 2017
Founded in 1991, Burma Campaign UK is one of the leading international organizations seeking reform in the country. Its director Mark Farmaner says Pope Francis is likely to face a challenging time when he visits Burma, also known as Myanmar, in a trip which is expected in late November. The pope has spoken up many times to protest the treatment of the Rohingya, a minority Muslim population facing persecution in the country.
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Catholic wisdom isn’t about a date on a baptismal certificate
- Deal Hudson
- Commentary
David Mills recently suggested that converts to Catholicism should “stop talking so much.” Does he really mean that to apply to figures such as Augustine, Newman, Whittaker Chambers, Malcolm Muggeridge, Walker Percy and Elizabeth Fox-Genvese? The bottom line is that Catholic wisdom doesn’t correlate with the date on one’s baptismal certificate.
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Why do Christians hesitate to rise up on anti-Christian persecution?

August 18, 2017

In general, when communities experience hatred or persecution, enlightened people want them to speak out, knowing we need them to hold our feet to the fire. So why do some Christians hesitate to do precisely that about the global pattern of anti-Christian persecution, documented again this week in a new State Department report?

Former Belgian PM challenges Pope Francis on euthanasia ban for religious hospitals

August 14, 2017

Herman Van Rompuy, who has formerly served as the President of the European Council and Prime Minister of Belgium, has tweeted a message implying Pope Francis cannot tell a Belgian religious order to stop performing euthanasia at its medical clinics. Van Rompuy serves on the board of the Brothers of Charity Group.