Despite risks, Iraqis want Pope Francis to go ahead with visit
- Mar 4, 2021
In other years, the glitter of Nuremberg’s Christmas market during Advent attracts around 2 million visitors from all over the world. This year, because of COVID-19, everything is different, and the city estimates the economic damage caused by the cancellation of the markets at around 180 million euros (US$218.6 million).
The year, the Christmas tradition of the Peace Light of Bethlehem continues, despite COVID-19 restrictions and border and church closures.
Several leading bishops have condemned recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria, appealing for peace and the brotherhood and mutual respect called for by Pope Francis in his latest encyclical on human fraternity.
Pope Francis and Austrian church leaders expressed dismay and sorrow after terrorists attack that left at least five dead in central Vienna, and they urged citizens to uphold key values of tolerance and respect.
A group of 30 to 50 Turkish youths gathered in a Vienna church earlier this week, kicking furniture but then dispersing after police were called, authorities said Saturday.
Salzburg Archbishop Franz Lackner, 63, is the new president of the Austrian bishops’ conference, succeeding Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, 75, who held the office for 22 years.
In addition to the well-worn problem of “cafeteria Catholicism,” there’s an equally real phenomenon of “cafeteria secularism” when it comes to perspectives on the Catholic Church.
The Vienna-based FC Mariahilf Women’s soccer club has apologized to the Vatican after a friendly match between the two Saturday was cancelled when several Austrian players lifted their jerseys exposing pro-choice slogans at odds with Catholic teaching on abortion.