While we in the United States get our missal translations in order, Pope Benedict XVI decided to try to end the death penalty. From CBS News: Pope Benedict XVI voiced support Wednesday for political actions around the world aimed at eliminating the death penalty, reflecting his stance as an opponent of capital punishment. He made …
Tag Archive: Pope Benedict XVI
Nov
23
What the Pope Didn’t Say About Condoms
I’ve been away on retreat with the students and had to catch up on work yesterday. So I’m late to the conversation on this one, but I have some observations on Peter Seewald’s new book, Light of the World where he interviews Pope Benedict XVI, a person he had interviewed in an older book (a …
Apr
21
This Should Have Happened a Month Ago in Ireland
After visiting abuse victims in Malta Pope Benedict made an rare public statement–which the NY Times reports Pope Benedict XVI pledged Wednesday that the Catholic Church would take action to deal with the widening scandal over sexual abuse by priests, making a rare, direct public comment on the crisis. During his weekly audience here, Benedict …
Apr
19
The Pope’s Unanswered Questions
While Pope Benedict’s trip to Malta was widely considered a good one and he should get much praise for meeting with people who had been abused, the Vatican once again showed their inability to use media to their advantage. Most importantly, four very provocative questions were given to the Pope from young people struggling with …
Apr
12
Benedict Deserves Better
The NY Times Ross Douthat really understands what I’ve been trying to say about Pope Benedict’s record on the sexual abuse scandal. The church’s dilatory response to the sex abuse scandals was a testament to these weaknesses. So was John Paul’s friendship with the Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ. …
Apr
03
Papal Preacher is No Fr. James Martin, SJ
Fr. Jim Martin, SJ had words that everyone should have read yesterday: Good Friday, though, reminds us that Jesus went to his crucifixion freely and surrendered his life for something greater, which came on Easter Sunday. This profound image may help the Catholic Church meditate on what it is invited to do. But that means …
Mar
23
Can Somebody Put the Pope on the Next Flight to Ireland?
From Pope Benedict XVI’s pastoral letter to the people of Ireland: For my part, considering the gravity of these offences, and the often inadequate response to them on the part of the ecclesiastical authorities in your country, I have decided to write this Pastoral Letter to express my closeness to you and to propose a …
Dec
27
Pope Attack Video
American Papist has this exclusive: Papist goes on to say: “[The pope] was down for about 30 seconds total, and he appeared to be just fine when he got up. A guy yelled “Viva il Papa!” and everybody started cheering and clapping, and the Holy Father continued up to the altar and proceeded with Mass. …
Dec
21
Christmas Makes Bethlehem a "City-Symbol of Peace"
To all those praying for peace in the world but especially in the Middle East, the Pope’s words today have rich meaning. From Zenit: Noting the prophecies regarding the town of Judea in the Book of Micah, which foretell a “mysterious birth,” the Holy Father spoke of the “divine plan that includes and explains the …
Dec
16
The Green Pope
“How can one remain indifferent in the face of problems such as climate change, desertification, the degradation and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase in extreme weather, and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical areas?” he asked. “How can one overlook the …
About the Blogger
Mike Hayes is an author, commentator, Campus Minister and Spiritual Director. He founded the award winning BustedHalo.com in 2001 and wrote the book Googling God with Paulist Press in 2007. Mike is currently a Campus Minister at The University at Buffalo where he serves on the staff of St Joseph University Church. He is available for speaking engagements, retreats and personal spiritual direction.
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