Iraqis hope papal visit can help unify country's diverse communities
- Mar 2, 2021
The apparent simplicity but actual complexity of “cacio e pepe” may be an apt metaphor for the recipe Catholic bishops in various parts of the world appear to be trying to follow with regard to the resumption of ecclesiastical life after coronavirus lockdowns.
Up and down Italy over the Easter weekend, police entered churches and broke up services, issuing citations and fines to those taking part, in several instances including the parish priest. Yet not only has there been no howl of protest from the country’s Catholic leadership, almost uniformly bishops have sided with the authorities.
Now that Italy has begun to relax some of its restrictions, allowing bookstores, stationary shops and stories for babies and children to reopen today, there are signs the compact between church and state over church closures may be fraying.
Though the full meaning of Pope Francis’s actions Saturday against retired Cardinal Theodor McCarrick will take time to unpack, here are three quick take-aways.