Confession Archives

Italy’s church going back to business, but not business as usual

May 12, 2020

Although when public liturgies may resume in the Vatican remains unclear, the church in Italy, anyway, is going back to business – but it’s likely to be far from business as usual.

By John L. Allen Jr.

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.

Beyond social fallout, Vatican faces spiritual and pastoral recovery too

Apr 17, 2020

ope Francis is well aware that global institutions such as the UN, the EU, the US government and others are also pondering social and political recovery, though none from the Vatican’s unique perspective. Yet there are also challenges to which only the Vatican really is in a position to respond regarding the spiritual and pastoral fallout of the pandemic.

By John L. Allen Jr.

In Boston, drive-thru confessions heard during coronavirus crisis

Apr 7, 2020

A Catholic priest in a parish north of Boston is taking drive-thru Holy Week confessions as the faithful combine social distancing and spirituality amid the coronavirus pandemic.

By Associated Press

Archbishop advises cellphones cannot be used to administer sacraments

Apr 1, 2020

Administering the sacrament of reconciliation via cellphone is impermissible under church teaching, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship.

By Catholic News Service

Indianapolis Archdiocese shuts down drive-thru confessions

Mar 26, 2020

A Catholic priest in western Indiana has stopped hearing drive-through confessions at the request of the Indianapolis Archdiocese amid the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

By Associated Press