Italian bishops

Clash heats up between Italy’s populist government, the Church
- Jul 31, 2018
Three high profile Catholic magazines in Italy criticized the leader of the populist party Northern League, Matteo Salvini, for his controversial stances against immigrants and minorities.

By Claire Giangravè
Italy’s 5-Stars step back from Family and Disabilities Minister’s remarks on gays
- Jun 4, 2018
The 5-Star Movement, one of the two populist parties in Italy’s new government, distanced itself Sunday from anti-gay comments made by a minister from its right-wing coalition partner, saying issues like same-sex civil unions deliberately were kept off their common political agenda.

By Associated Press
Italy deals Church third big political loss, this time on right-to-die
- Dec 15, 2017
Despite Catholic opposition, Italy’s Senate approved a law permitting individuals to write a living will to refuse treatment in end-of-life scenarios.

By Claire Giangravè

Italian priest’s attack on Francis draws attention to clergy’s use of social media
- Nov 17, 2017
The case of a Sicilian priest who used social media to attack Pope Francis has drawn attention to current tensions inside the Church and the way clergy use new media. Father Alessandro Minutella has refused his archbishop’s demand to declare his loyalty to the pope, and instead announced on social media his opposition to “the so-called Church of Mercy.” One leading official in Church communications said priests should not be using social media to promote “their own particular agenda.”

By Claire Giangravè
Faith, love, service are key to bishops’ ministry, pope tells Italians
- May 24, 2017
Pope Francis presented himself as “servant of the servants of God” before the annual general assembly of the Italian bishops’ conference at the Vatican. Instead of giving a speech he had it distributed to them and said he was ready to answer their questions. “When one presides and does not permit dialogue, gossip reigns,” the pope said.

By Cindy Wooden