Blame the Government for food banks where they are really culpable: but this is mainly a global problem – and bishops need to understand that. And the EU doesn’t help
Episcopal attacks on politicians are just too easy; politicians are always unpopular. But the Government isn’t always to blame for much of for the real hardship
Our new Cardinal’s attack on Iain Duncan Smith’s benefits reform policies shows that he has a lot to learn about the spiritual blight of welfare dependency
This is not a good start to his cardinalatial ministry; he admits that he might benefit from a ministerial briefing on the complexities of government policy. He should ask for one
A Securitate General says that Hochhuth’s play was part of a KGB plot against Pius XII’s reputation. The National Catholic Register attempts to discredit this: but serious historians believe it
The NCR’s scepticism is shared by the author of Hitler’s Pope: shouldn’t that in itself give pause for thought?
Another Jewish historian concludes that the latest research ‘erases’ the image of a Pius XII indifferent to the fate of the Jews
Rabbi Dalin thinks that Pope Pius should be declared Righteous among the Nations: it would only be common justice if he were
The growing worldwide persecution of Christians shows that Samuel Huntington was right: if he was wrong, where are the protests from moderate Muslim opinion?
Predictions that after the end of the Cold War we would see a clash of civilisations between Islam and the West have been borne out by events
Cardinal-designate Nichols should have the prayers and support of us all: but his elevation is being misrepresented by some elements in the English Church
Some commentators even take it as meaning that Pope Francis would have been in favour of the Soho Masses
We are all used to the banality of the Jerusalem Bible readings at Mass: but on Sunday the translation of the gospel was simply impossible to bear
There is now only one solution: permission must be given for the use of other authorised translations for the readings
The Ordinariate’s first monastery was erected on New Year’s Day: now, the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary should have the prayers and support of us all
This was a historic event not just for the Ordinariate but for the English Catholic Church as a whole: Catholics should give them financial help
The Holy Father is ‘consulting the faithful’ in preparation for next year’s synod on the family. But as Newman explained, ‘consulting’ them isn’t asking their advice
Conservatives are suspicious of, liberals excited by, the consultation of the laity on church teachings on contraception, same-sex marriage and divorce. But the teachings won’t change
The ONS is seriously considering issuing figures for all types of ‘marriage’ together, without distinction: if it does, how will we know if gay marriage is working?
The ONS may even include civil partnerships: marriage statistics could provide figures only on “legally recognised partnerships”: its statistics will be meaningless
