Communion Archives

Bishops’ ‘referendum’ on Biden may not have been that at all

Jun 19, 2021

In a seemingly dramatic move, three-quarters of America’s bishops voted for a controversial document on the Eucharist that could set the stage for a showdown with President Joe Biden. The key word in that sentence, however, is “seemingly, “because in the Catholic Church, things are rarely quite as they seem.

By John L. Allen Jr.

A (likely vain) attempt at context for when Pope and President meet

Jun 18, 2021

Nothing beckons a war of spin quite like whenever a pope and a president meet.

By John L. Allen Jr.

San Francisco archbishop insists pro-abortion Communion ban isn’t political

May 11, 2021

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco on Monday doubled down on his stance that Catholic public figures who support abortion rights be barred from Communion while at the same time pleading with them to have a change of heart.

By John Lavenburg

Pelosi’s Archbishop in SF says no to communion for pro-choice Catholics

May 2, 2021

In a new letter, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone became the latest American prelate to advocate for barring public figures who support abortion from communion, as the debate on the topic continues to grow ever since President Joe Biden took office.

By John Lavenburg

U.S. Catholic bishops may press Biden to stop taking Communion

Apr 28, 2021

When U.S. Catholic bishops hold their next national meeting in June, they’ll be deciding whether to send a tougher-than-ever message to President Joe Biden and other Catholic politicians: Don’t receive Communion if you persist in public advocacy of abortion rights.

By David Crary

Cardinal Burke says pro-choice politicians are ‘apostates’

Apr 8, 2021

According to American Cardinal Raymond Burke, politicians who “publicly and obstinately” support abortion are “apostates” who cannot receive Communion.

By Inés San Martín

Three Roman vignettes from the peak of the summer doldrums

Aug 26, 2020

Late August in Rome marks the apex of the summer doldrums, the last chance to get away before the press of the fall begins. Pretty much nothing happens in the city, and that very much includes the Vatican.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Italy grants bishops permission to ditch gloves for Communion

Jun 30, 2020

The committee in charge of drafting coronavirus restrictions for the Italian government has given the bishops permission to drop the use of gloves while distributing communion as well as the requirement for spouses to wear masks during weddings.

By Elise Ann Allen