Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti Archives

Masses in Italy are a go, but other sacraments still suffer restrictions

May 20, 2020

While Catholics in Italy are enthusiastic about finally being able to attend Mass after a two months hiatus due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, there are several other areas of ecclesial life that are still on hold.

By Elise Ann Allen

Despite controversy, Italian prelate embraces kidnapped woman as ‘our daughter’

May 13, 2020

As Silvia Romano, a young Italian woman recently released from captivity after spending some 18 months in the hands of Islamic extremists, faces mounting national criticism for her apparent conversion to Islam, Italy’s top prelate has stressed the need to embrace her as a “daughter.”

By Elise Ann Allen

Church/state deal means Mass will be back in Italy on May 18

May 8, 2020

Italian bishops announced Thursday a deal with the government to resume public Mass on Monday, May 18, which means the first Sunday Mass to be reopened will be May 24, which in Italy is the Feast of the Ascension.

By John L. Allen Jr.

‘How’ of going back to Mass may be just as messy as ‘when’

May 7, 2020

If early returns are any indication, the way in which the Mass ban is lifted may turn out to be just as controversial, and just as messy, as imposing it in the first place.

By John L. Allen Jr.

In season of synods, Italy may be next to see if pope’s gamble pays off

Sep 21, 2019

The press for a synod of the Italian Church is coming from the Primate of Italy himself, meaning the pope, and his closest allies.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Bishops express concern about nationalism as EU elections near

May 22, 2019

Catholic bishops across Europe encouraged their faithful to go to the polls in late May to elect members of the European Parliament who would promote unity and take seriously the power of the European Union to do good in the world.

By Cindy Wooden